Estate Litigation Attorney in Tacoma
Disputed Wills, Trusts & Probate Matters in Pierce County
Estate disputes surface when family members disagree about a will’s validity, a trustee’s conduct, or how assets are being distributed. The stakes are personal and financial. Attorney Conor McCarthy has spent nearly two decades handling estate and probate matters in Tacoma and the surrounding area, serving clients throughout Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston, and King Counties. When you work with our firm, you work directly with Attorney McCarthy from the first conversation through resolution.
We handle both estate planning and estate litigation, which means clients who already have documents drafted with our office can bring disputes arising from those documents to the same attorney who knows their situation. That continuity matters in litigation.
If you’re facing a dispute over a will, trust, or estate in the Tacoma area, call us at (844) 224-5029 to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney McCarthy.
Why Tacoma Clients Choose McCarthy Law Office, PLLC for Estate Litigation
At larger firms, the attorney who handles your matter may be unknown until the case is already underway. At McCarthy Law Office, PLLC, Attorney Conor McCarthy is the only attorney you’ll deal with. He handles every phase directly: reviewing documents, advising on strategy, appearing in Pierce County Superior Court, and negotiating on your behalf.
Estate disputes almost always involve family members on opposing sides, which means the process is emotionally charged on top of being legally complex. Our approach is to build a clear picture of your situation early, give you candid assessments, and stay accessible throughout. Nearly two decades of navigating estate and probate proceedings in Tacoma gives us a working knowledge of how these matters move through local courts and how they may resolve based on the facts and circumstances involved.
Estate Litigation Matters We Handle
We represent clients as heirs, beneficiaries, personal representatives, and interested third parties in a range of probate and estate disputes. Whether your matter involves a contested will, a trustee acting outside their authority, or a personal representative who isn’t fulfilling their obligations, we can assess your position and explain your options.
Will Contests
A will contest challenges whether a will is legally valid. Under Washington law, grounds for challenging a will include lack of testamentary capacity (meaning the person who signed it lacked the mental capacity required to make a valid will), undue influence by someone who pressured or manipulated the decedent, fraud, or improper execution. These challenges must be filed within a defined period after the will is admitted to probate, so timing matters.
Trust Disputes
Trust disputes often involve a trustee making distributions that don’t align with the trust’s terms, failing to account for assets, or benefiting themselves at the expense of beneficiaries. These claims fall under breach of fiduciary duty: the legal obligation a trustee owes to the people the trust is designed to benefit. We can help beneficiaries understand their rights and pursue remedies when a trustee may have acted improperly.
Personal Representative Disputes & Removal
A personal representative is responsible for administering a deceased person’s estate through probate. When a personal representative fails to communicate with beneficiaries, mismanages assets, or acts in their own interest rather than the estate’s, beneficiaries can petition the court to compel action or seek removal. We handle these petitions in Pierce County Superior Court.
Beneficiary & Heir Disputes
Disagreements among beneficiaries or heirs over asset distribution, the meaning of estate documents, or the conduct of a fiduciary are common. Washington’s Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA), codified at RCW 11.96A, provides the primary legal framework for resolving these disputes, allowing parties to pursue resolution through negotiated agreement, mediation, arbitration, or contested hearings before a judge.
What to Expect Working with Our Firm
Estate litigation matters can resolve in several ways depending on the facts: negotiated settlement, mediation under TEDRA, or a contested hearing before a Pierce County Superior Court judge. Attorney McCarthy can walk you through the realistic range of outcomes for your specific matter and the process at each stage. When questions arise, you reach him directly. You won’t be routed through a case manager or left waiting on a callback from someone unfamiliar with your file.
Get a Free Consultation on Your Estate Dispute
If you’re involved in or anticipating a dispute over a will, trust, or estate in Tacoma or the surrounding area, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Washington law sets deadlines for certain challenges, and early advice can help preserve options that may close quickly. Call (844) 224-5029 or use our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation with Attorney Conor McCarthy at McCarthy Law Office, PLLC.
Client Testimonials
We Treat Our Clients Like People, Not Numbers
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“They provided direction through the complexity of that situation”- Jess B.
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“Conor McCarthey did an amazing job! He made my life less stressful, and a lot easier. If you need a lawyer, he's the man!”- Mark M.
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“I had to find another lawyer to take on a probate case that had been already dragging on for about four years. Without a referral of any kind I tried calling in to a few offices, one of them being Conor’s.”- Brandon L.
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“Conor McCarthy recently drafted our estate planning documents. He also assisted my folks in updating their trust and related documents. Conor is friendly and easy to work with and his fees are very reasonable.”- Diane W.
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“We had a great experience with McCarthy Law. Conner was invaluable in guiding us through every step of the process and worked diligently researching or case. We would definitely recommend McCarthy Law.- Kevin C.
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“Nothing but excellent service from Conor and his staff at McCarthy Law. Very friendly, professional and knowledgeable in assisting myself in executing our families estate needs. Highly recommend!!- Michael P.
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“McCarthy Law helped update our will this fall. Very timely and nice group of people.”- Jan N.
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“Conor was great to work with! He listened to what I wanted and provided guidance without making me feel like I didn't know what I was doing. He communicated clearly, got things done right on schedule. I'll gladly work with him in the future if the need ari”- Julia E.