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Find a Pittsburgh Lawyer For
Estate Litigation, Trusts, Will Contests, And More

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Will Contests, Wrongful Death Beneficiary Actions, Survival Actions, and More

Which Pittsburgh Law Firms Works With Estates, Wills, and Trusts?

When a loved one passes away many questions and issues may arise in relation to the estate and how the assets should be divided amongst the potential beneficiaries. Many of these issues can be complex to navigate and require the services of attorneys experienced in estate and trust litigation.

The attorneys at Schiffman Firm have expertise in will and heirship disputes. Our team has handled a variety of cases related to probate and estate, and litigation involving the issuing of citations, mismanagement of estate assets, will contests, breaches of fiduciary duty, and decedent estate litigation.

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If you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate the estate of a loved one that recently passed or if you have not yet done any estate planning and are concerned that your existing plan does not reflect your current situation or does not adequately protect your assets, call or contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

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Expert Representation in Mediations, Arbitrations, Trials and Appeals

How Can Schiffman Firm Help Me in My Trust, Will, or Estate Litigation?

The attorneys and lawyers at Schiffman Firm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are experienced in representing clients in trust, will, and estate litigation. Our team represents beneficiaries, trustees, personal representatives, administrators, and other parties in all types of trust, will, and estate disputes including – but not limited to:

  • Asset protection and wealth transfer planning
  • Wills (both simple wills and complex wills), will revisions and will updates
  • Living wills
  • Living trusts (revocable trusts)
  • Irrevocable trusts, including special-needs trusts, and life insurance trusts
  • General and durable powers of attorney
  • Guardianships
  • Business succession planning
  • Federal estate tax planning
  • Probate and administration of estates, including the preparation and filing of Pennsylvania inheritance tax and federal estate tax returns
  • Litigation involving contested wills, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and other types of probate and inheritance disputes
  • Elder law related legal issues
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Updating Wills and Will Revisions

Do I Need to Update or Revise My Will?

Many people do not realize that the state of the law changes.

If a will is invalid, the property and other assets that you have worked for may not go to the individuals you think you have chosen. Further, a will or trust that may have met your needs at one time may no longer accomplish what your desire and your assets may not be distributed the way that you had hoped.

The attorneys of Schiffman Firm can help determine if you need to update or revise your will.

Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney

Why Do I Need a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney?

The importance of a living will and durable power of attorney cannot be overstated.

Your loved ones and family members will undoubtedly be in heightened emotional states if you become ill and unable to make medical decisions for yourself. Don’t make them guess what medical choices you would make and do not leave these choices to medical care providers who do not know your wishes.

A living will and durable power of attorney can assure that your wishes are known and can be followed.

Signatures, Last Minute Changes, Joint Ownerships

What Are Some Common Reasons That Cause a Will or Trust to Be Disputed?

Wills and trusts can be incredibly complex documents that go through numerous revisions, especially towards the end of one’s life.

A will or trust can be challenged by anyone with potential interest, including (but not limited to) someone that may have evidence or grounds for believing they were improperly excluded or treated unfairly when the will or trust was originally drafted.

Disputes can also occur if there is a reason to believe that the creator of the will or trust was improperly influenced or not under the correct state of mind when creating the document.

Some common reasons that a will or trust may be contested include:

  • The will or trust being disputed is a copied document and the original cannot be located
  • Questioning the validity of signatures
    Possible forged or unauthenticated signatures
  • Significant or last-minute changes made to the will or trust
  • Joint ownership of property and assets held by the deceased that is contested by another party
  • Undue influence over the person that created the will and/or trust
  • Questions about the mental capacity and cognitive abilities of the person when the will and/or trust was formed
  • Inheritance has been entirely eliminated or significantly reduced and given to an individual or organization that seems out of place
  • The trustee or personal representative (executor) is suspected of misconduct, this includes:
    • Misuse of the assets
    • Self-dealing
    • Failure to preserve or impartial
  • Failure to comply with legal formalities such as including witnesses

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Estate Litigation Cost?

Every case and situation is different.

If you are involved in estate litigation, contact the attorneys at Schiffman Firm to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We offer competitive rates for all of our services, including estate, will, and trust legal matters. Our attorneys have experience successfully litigating these types of legal cases and more at both the trial court and appellate levels.

Legal Services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What Can Our Team Help You With Today?

From personal injury to product liability - Schiffman Firm has the legal expertise and experience to take on a wide variety of cases with a proven track record of delivering results for their clients.

Our attorneys are always ready to listen to your case. Contact us today for a free review of your case - you don't pay anything for our legal services unless you win your case.

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Burns and Hazardous Material Injuries

Our attorneys handle lawsuits and legal cases for personal injuries due to a variety of burns including:
Thermal and Fire Burn Injuries
Chemical Burns
Hazardous Material Injuries
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Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord, brain, and concussion injuries are complex legal matters - our team has experience and expertise in working with:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Concussions
Pediatric Brain Injries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Medical Malpractice
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Wrongful and Accidental Deaths

Negligence, in any form, can lead to a wide variety of personal injury lawsuits - sometimes it can, unfortunately, lead to death. Our team can represent the families and the estate of wrongful death victims to ensure fair compensation is received and justice is served.
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Living will, power of attorney and other estate planning documents

Estates, Wills, and Trusts

Navigating wills, trusts, and estates can be complicated and require attorneys experienced in understanding the various nuances and associated laws within. We provide valuable experience in:
Will and Trust Contests
Estate and Title Disputes
Recovery of Assets
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Workers' Compensation

At Schiffman Firm, we know how Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system works and — most importantly — how to make this system work for our clients.
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Business and Employment Litigation

Focused on delivering efficient and cost-effective business law solutions to small and midsized organizations - we provide ongoing counsel and legal services including:
Startups
Entity Formation (LLC)
Business Litigation
Business Transactions
Breach of Contracts
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