Trust Litigation
If you’re a beneficiary of a trust and something doesn’t feel right, or you're a trustee who has been accused of wrongdoing—it may be time to speak with a trust litigation attorney. At Peck Firm PC, we help clients across San Diego and Southern California resolve trust-related disputes with a focus on fairness, strategy, and results.
Whether you live in Carlsbad and haven’t heard from the trustee in months, or you’re trying to help your father in Del Mar who’s confused about changes made to a family trust, our goal is to help you get clarity and move forward with confidence.
What Is Trust Litigation?
Trust litigation refers to legal disputes that arise when there’s disagreement or concern about how a trust is being handled. These issues can involve the trustee, the beneficiaries, or even third parties who may have influenced how the trust was created. Some common trust disputes we see in California include:
- A trustee failing to communicate or provide required accountings
- Unequal or delayed distributions among beneficiaries
- Changes made to a trust late in someone’s life that raise questions about capacity or undue influence
- Beneficiaries disputing the terms or intent of the trust
- A trustee using funds for personal benefit
For example, you may have helped your great-aunt in Encinitas set up her trust, but now a distant relative has taken over as trustee and isn’t sharing updates or making distributions. Or maybe your siblings in Chula Vista are refusing to release funds from your parents’ trust, and you’re not sure what your rights are. These are the kinds of situations where the right legal support can make all the difference.
Trustee Duties in California
In California, trustees have legal responsibilities known as fiduciary duties. They must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and follow the terms of the trust. When trustees breach these duties—whether through neglect, poor communication, or misuse of funds—it can cause real harm. Trustees are required to:
- Keep beneficiaries reasonably informed
- Act impartially and avoid favoritism
- Avoid self-dealing or conflicts of interest
- Manage trust property prudently
- Make timely and accurate distributions
If any of this is missing or unclear, it may be time to speak with a trust litigation attorney who can review the situation and advise you on next steps.
Our Approach to Trust Disputes
At Peck Firm PC, we take the time to understand your concerns, review the legal and financial documents, and develop a plan that fits your situation.
Sometimes that means early negotiations to encourage transparency. Other times, it means preparing to go to court to enforce your rights. Either way, you’ll work directly with attorney Robert Peck—no handoffs, no middle layers. We’re selective about the cases we take, so when we do move forward, you can expect:
- A clear explanation of your legal options
- Honest feedback about possible outcomes
- A strategy built around your goals and values
- Regular communication throughout the process
Helping Clients Across San Diego and Southern California
We’re based in San Diego, but we regularly help clients in surrounding areas like La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Chula Vista. Many of our clients live out of town or out of state but are involved in a trust dispute involving California property or beneficiaries.
Whether you’re helping your parents in Oceanside make sense of an outdated trust, or trying to understand your rights as a beneficiary in a family trust located in San Diego County, we can help.
Speak with a San Diego Trust Litigation Attorney Who Will Take the Time to Understand Your Case
If you have questions about how a trust is being handled—or if something just doesn’t feel right—we’re here to help you figure out what to do next. At Peck Firm PC, we take a thoughtful, strategic approach to trust litigation, always with your best interests in mind.