Our experienced legal team has handled numerous cases in all aspects of trust and probate matters across all of Southern California. We are here to help, choose one of our areas to learn more. If you are unsure, give us a call (949) 706-1919.
Trust Litigation
Probate Attorney
Trustee Defense
Trust & Will Contests
Inheritance Disputes
Financial Elder Abuse
Probate & Trust Administration
Conservatorship
Beneficiary Representation
Trustee Removal & Surcharge Actions
Surviving Spouse Rights
Estate Planning
California Trust & Probate
Locations We Serve
At Max Alavi, Attorney at Law, we have decades of experience in dealing with complex trust litigation matters throughout California. When you hire our legal team, you are bringing on the best and toughest litigators around to aggresively fight on your behalf.
California Trust & Probate
Locations We Serve
At Max Alavi, Attorney at Law, we have decades of experience in dealing with complex trust litigation matters throughout California. When you hire our legal team, you are bringing on the best and toughest litigators around to aggresively fight on your behalf.
- Irvine
- Newport Beach
- Huntington Beach
- Anaheim
- Santa Ana
- Costa Mesa
- Orange
- Fullerton
- Mission Viejo
- Tustin
- Laguna Beach
- Dana Point
- San Clemente
- Laguna Niguel
- Yorba Linda
- Laguna Woods
- Lake Forest
- Seal Beach
- Garden Grove
- Westminster
- Fountain Valley
- Cypress
- Brea
- Buena Park
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Pasadena
- Glendale
- Santa Clarita
- Beverly Hills
- Malibu
- Santa Monica
What Our Amazing Clients Have To Say
Probate Court Issues and Remedies in Trust Litigation
Trust litigation requires more than technical knowledge. It demands courtroom experience, strategic judgment, and a clear understanding of how California probate judges evaluate trustee conduct and beneficiary claims.
The probate court can issue orders that force action, protect assets, and correct trustee behavior. Many disputes are brought through a trust petition under Probate Code section 17200, which allows the court to address a wide range of trust administration problems.
Common Issues in a Trust |
Possible Remedies in Probate Court |
| No communication from trustee – Emails ignored, vague answers, stalled updates | Order to provide information, court deadlines |
| No trust accounting provided – Beneficiaries cannot see income, expenses, or distributions | Order compelling accounting, review of transactions |
| Suspicious spending or withdrawals – Large payments, unclear “reimbursements,” cash activity | Freeze or restrict activity, surcharge, restitution |
| Trustee self dealing – Trustee uses trust assets for personal benefit | Removal, damages, unwind transactions where possible |
| Unequal or delayed distributions – One beneficiary paid, others delayed without explanation | Order directing distributions, clarification of trust terms |
| Dispute over trust meaning – Ambiguous language, conflicting family interpretations | Court interpretation, instructions to trustee |
| Questionable amendment or restatement – Late changes, isolation, sudden new beneficiaries | Challenge validity, seek evidentiary hearing and orders |
| Undue influence or fraud claims – Pressure, manipulation, or deceptive conduct alleged | Set aside disputed action, recover assets if proven |
| Real estate conflict inside trust – Sale disputes, occupancy fights, buyout disagreements | Sale order, buyout structure, accounting for rent or expenses |
| Missing or wrongly titled property – Assets held outside trust, transfers questioned | Petition to confirm ownership, recover property, damages in bad faith cases |
Let's Work Together - Tell Us Your Needs
At Max Alavi, Attorney at Law, APC, we understand the complexities of California probate law and are committed to providing solutions for trust and estate disputes. Contact us today to speak with one of our legal staff.

