Estate Planning & Probate Litigation
Fighting for Your Rightful Inheritance on Contingency
At Hoestenbach Law Group, we specialize in representing heirs and beneficiaries who have been wrongfully disinherited or dispossessed through manipulation, fraud, or trustee misconduct. Unlike most probate litigation firms that charge hourly rates, we take cases on contingency—meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid when we recover your inheritance.
When Estate Plans Go Wrong
While proper estate planning should provide peace of mind and security for loved ones, the reality is that many wills and trusts are manipulated through:
- Amendments made when the creator lacks mental capacity
- Undue influence by caregivers, new spouses, or adult children
- Fraudulent transfers and forged documents
- Improper execution of legal documents
- Trustee misconduct and breach of fiduciary duties
When you’ve been unfairly cut out of an inheritance that was rightfully yours, our experienced litigation team steps in to fight for justice.
Our Specialized Probate Litigation Services
Probate Litigation
We represent heirs and beneficiaries in comprehensive contested estate proceedings involving will contests, executor misconduct, and disputes over estate administration. Our team challenges invalid wills, removes breaching executors, and fights for proper distribution of assets according to the decedent’s true intentions or applicable law.
Wills and Trusts Challenges
When loved ones create sound estate plans but later make changes while suffering from cognitive decline or under suspicious circumstances, we challenge these manipulated estate documents through comprehensive investigation, medical evidence, and expert testimony to restore rightful inheritances.
Powers of Attorney Abuse Cases
We pursue cases where agent authority has been misused to manipulate estate plans, redirect assets, or facilitate financial exploitation. Our team holds agents accountable for breaching their fiduciary duties and works to recover assets that were improperly transferred through abuse of authority.
Probate and Estate Administration Misconduct
When executors, administrators, or personal representatives breach their fiduciary duties, we fight for beneficiaries through fiduciary misconduct litigation. We pursue claims for mismanagement, self-dealing, improper accounting, and failure to distribute assets as required by law or estate documents.
Complex Asset Protection and Tax Planning Schemes
We challenge sophisticated improper wealth transfer arrangements that have been improperly used to disinherit legitimate heirs. Our team unwinds complex trust structures, business entities, and financial arrangements that were created through fraud, undue influence, or to circumvent rightful inheritance.
Exposing Fraud and Forgery
Our team investigates and pursues cases involving forged signatures, unauthorized changes to beneficiary designations, and fraudulent transfers of assets that deprive legitimate heirs of their inheritance.
Addressing Financial Elder Abuse
Many of our cases involve financial elder abuse components, which can lead to additional penalties and remedies under California law when assets were taken through undue influence, fraud, or duress.
The Contingency Fee Advantage
Most probate litigation requires hefty upfront legal fees—often exceeding $100,000 through trial. This creates an impossible barrier for many legitimate claims. Our contingency fee model means:
- No upfront or hourly legal fees
- We only get paid if we recover your inheritance
- Our fee comes as a percentage of what we recover for you
- You gain access to justice regardless of your current financial situation
Our Proven Approach
At the Helm of Our Team:
Attorney At Law specializing in Probate Litigation and Estate Planning
Hunter Hoestenbach is a native Texan who moved 20 years ago to San Diego to attend law school and never left. He is an academic at heart who has a passion for knowledge and a drive to constantly acquire new skills. The story of his legal career is one best told by the diverse set of skills he has amassed over the years to become a top-flight litigator.
Hunter has served as the President of the California Creditors’ Bar Association. He has successfully defended a regulatory enforcement action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau out of Washington D.C. He has been the presenter of continuing legal education talks to judges statewide. His diverse skill set and legal background, together with his highly motivated work ethic, make him a formidable advocate for his clients.
Do You Have a Case?
Do You Have a Case?
You may have a valid claim if:
- A loved one changed their trust or will while suffering from cognitive decline
- Someone with influence over your loved one benefited from last-minute changes
- Trust assets are being mismanaged or hidden by the trustee
- You were unexpectedly removed as a beneficiary
- Promised inheritances were redirected through suspicious circumstances
Taking Action: Time Is Critical
California imposes strict deadlines for contesting wills and trusts. To preserve your rights, contact Hoestenbach Law Group immediately if you suspect wrongdoing in the administration of a loved one’s estate.
Contact us today at (855) 294-7500 or reach out online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover your inheritance.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is educational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances vary, and probate litigation strategies should be tailored to your specific situation. Please consult directly with an attorney at Hoestenbach Law Group to discuss your particular case.
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