We represent beneficiaries, heirs, fiduciaries, and interested persons in contested estate matters before the Orphans' Court and Circuit Court, protecting valid estate plans, challenging improper documents, and enforcing fiduciary duties.
Understanding Estate Disputes
Estate litigation arises when beneficiaries, heirs, personal representatives, trustees, or other interested parties dispute the administration of an estate or the validity of testamentary documents. These disputes often involve claims of lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, financial exploitation, improper transfers, and mismanagement of estate assets.
Our firm represents clients on both sides of estate disputes, including individuals seeking to uphold a decedent's true intentions and those challenging documents or conduct that resulted from coercion, manipulation, or abuse.
Will Contests
A will contest challenges whether a document admitted to probate is legally valid. Under Maryland law, a testator must possess sufficient mental capacity to understand the nature of their property, recognize natural heirs, comprehend the effect of executing a will, and understand how assets will be distributed. Dementia, cognitive decline, mental illness, medication effects, and medical conditions may undermine testamentary capacity.
Will contests frequently involve allegations of undue influence, where a beneficiary exerts improper pressure over the testator. This may include isolation, control over access, involvement in drafting, disproportionate benefit, and exploitation of dependency. Other cases involve fraud, where the testator is misled about the contents or consequences of the will.
Maryland law also requires strict execution formalities. Failure to comply with statutory signing and witnessing requirements may invalidate a will.
Trust Litigation and Trustee Disputes
Trust disputes often involve conflicts over trustee authority, discretionary distributions, investment practices, and beneficiary rights. Litigation may seek modification, reformation, or termination of trusts that no longer serve their intended purpose.
We represent beneficiaries and trustees in Maryland trust litigation, including actions for trustee removal, accounting enforcement, and breach of fiduciary duty.
Inheritance Disputes
Inheritance disputes often involve omitted heirs, spousal elective share claims, ademption and abatement issues, and disagreements over testamentary intent. These matters may also include litigation under Maryland's Slayer Statute when a beneficiary is alleged to have caused the decedent's death, as well as posthumous paternity and heirship proceedings to determine legal inheritance rights.
Such cases frequently require complex factual investigation, coordination with criminal or administrative proceedings, and careful navigation of probate and family law principles. We represent clients in high-conflict beneficiary disputes involving contested family relationships, criminal allegations, and disputed parentage.
The Litigation Process
Estate litigation typically begins with detailed investigation, including review of medical records, financial documents, communications, and witness testimony. Discovery may involve depositions, subpoenas, expert evaluations, and forensic accounting. Cases may be resolved through negotiated settlement or mediation, but many require trial before the Orphans' Court or Circuit Court.
Our firm prepares every matter with trial readiness in mind, ensuring clients are positioned for favorable resolution at every stage.
Preventing Estate Disputes
Effective estate planning reduces the risk of future litigation. Clear drafting, proper execution, capacity documentation, regular updates, and professional legal guidance significantly lower the likelihood of disputes.
We advise clients on proactive strategies to protect estate plans and preserve family harmony.
Statute of Limitations
Strict deadlines apply to will contests, fiduciary claims, fraud actions, and heirship proceedings. Missing these deadlines may permanently bar legal rights. Early consultation with an experienced Maryland estate litigation attorney is critical.
Fiduciary Litigation
Disputes involving fiduciary misconduct, breach of duty by personal representatives, trustees, or guardians, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults are addressed by our fiduciary litigation practice. These matters often overlap with estate disputes and may involve guardianship proceedings, powers of attorney, and claims under Maryland's SAFE Act.
Our Dispute Resolution Services
At Leffler, Bayoumi & Oliver, LLC, we represent clients in all aspects of estate and probate litigation, including will contests, trust disputes, inheritance and heirship matters, Slayer Statute litigation, posthumous paternity proceedings, mediation, trial, and appellate advocacy.
We work to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting our clients' interests and honoring their loved ones' true intentions. Contact our office to speak with an experienced Maryland estate litigation lawyer.
