Florida Trust and Estate Litigation Attorneys

VanNess Law: Florida’s Powerhouse for Fiduciary Litigation
At VanNess Law, we bring decades of experience handling high-stakes trust and estate disputes. Whether you’re a trustee facing scrutiny or a beneficiary fighting for your rightful inheritance, our skilled litigation team is here to protect your interests. We are recognized as a leading force in Florida fiduciary litigation, with a proven track record of results in complex and emotionally charged cases.

Do Any of These Situations Sound Familiar?

  • Are you a trustee worried about being sued, held financially responsible, or overwhelmed by legal obligations?
  • Are beneficiaries disputing what you’re supposed to inherit?
  • Have you received a trust accounting you disagree with?
  • Do you want to remove or replace a trustee who isn’t doing their job?
  • Do you suspect someone stole your inheritance or manipulated the estate?
  • Are you seeking to change or terminate an irrevocable trust?
  • Are you considering suing a trustee for breach of fiduciary duty?
  • Are you unsure whether a trustee can change how the trust is administered?

If so, you’re not alone—and we can help.

What We Do: Comprehensive Trust & Estate Litigation Services
We represent trustees, personal representatives, beneficiaries, and family members in all areas of fiduciary dispute resolution. Our services include:

Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims – Prosecution and Defense
Whether you’re a trustee under attack or a beneficiary seeking justice, we handle all types of fiduciary breach claims. This includes:

  • Failure to provide accountings
  • Self-dealing or excessive trustee compensation
  • Mismanagement of trust or estate assets
  • Conflicts of interest or imprudent investments

We pursue or defend actions to remove fiduciaries, surcharge them, or seek other appropriate remedies.

Fiduciary Risk Management
We advise trustees, personal representatives, and other fiduciaries on how to proactively avoid litigation. By reviewing trust instruments, applicable state and federal laws, and potential liabilities, we help clients minimize risk through smart decision-making and proper documentation.

Accounting Disputes and Litigation
When fiduciaries fail to provide proper accountings—or when beneficiaries disagree with what’s reported—we represent clients on both sides in accounting litigation, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Fiduciary Surcharge and Removal
If a fiduciary causes harm to the trust or estate through negligence, misconduct, or bad faith, we help beneficiaries pursue surcharge actions to recover losses, and we petition for their removal when appropriate.

  • Will and Trust Contests

    We represent clients in actions challenging the validity of a will or trust based on:

    • Lack of testamentary capacity
    • Undue influence
    • Fraud or forgery
    • Improper execution
    Trust contests can only be initiated once the trust becomes irrevocable, usually after the settlor’s death.

  • Trust Modification, Reformation, and Termination

    We handle judicial and non-judicial actions to:

    • Modify trusts due to changes in law or circumstances
    • Reform trusts to fix drafting errors or reflect true intent
    • Terminate trusts that are no longer practical or beneficial

  • Will and Trust Construction Proceedings

    If a will or trust is ambiguous or poorly drafted, we litigate construction actions to determine the proper legal interpretation and ensure the decedent’s intent is honored.

  • Why Choose VanNess Law?

    • Reputation: Known across Florida for effective, aggressive fiduciary litigation.
    • Experience: Decades of trust and estate law practice with a litigation focus.
    • Client-Centered: We guide you with clear advice, strategy, and constant communication.
    • Results-Driven: We fight to protect your rights—and your peace of mind.

  • Contact VanNess Law Today

    Trust and estate disputes are stressful, personal, and complex. Don’t navigate them alone. Call (561) 927-9027 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Florida trust litigation attorney.