Trust & Estate Litigation

The transfer of wealth that occurs with the loss of a loved one can be a difficult transition.  This is especially true when there are disputes over the decedent’s estate planning, finances or the succession of a business.

Our Trust & Estate Litigation group facilitates the successful resolution of complex trust and estate disputes. 

Experienced Lawyers

Trust and estate disputes often involve a combination of business litigation, real estate transactions, and trust and estate law.  Our lawyers have deep business litigation experience, coupled with an understanding of real estate and trust and estate law.  In fact, several of our lawyers have authored chapters in the Washington Probate and Washington Real Property deskbooks. This combination is rare among general litigators and provides value to clients who need an advocate who understands this complex area of law.  In addition, many of our Trust & Estate Litigation lawyers have been recognized by their peers as outstanding lawyers. Ann Wilson and Karolyn Hicks have been recognized as leading attorneys in private wealth disputes in the 2024 Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide in Band 1 and the Stokes Lawrence Trust and Estate Litigation group is identified as a leading practice in Washington state.

Our trust and estate litigators also work closely with our Estate Planning attorneys.  Like our trust and estate litigators, our Estate Planning attorneys are regularly recognized by their peers as being at the top of their practice specialty.  The Stokes Lawrence Estate Planning practice as a whole received top-tier “Best Law Firm” rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.  Having sophisticated and experienced estate planning colleagues in the offices next door provides a tremendous advantage when navigating complex disputes on behalf of our clients.

Because of their experience, our attorneys are able to quickly assess the strengths and weaknesses of each case and advise on the best approach, including avoiding conflict and preventing lawsuits.  By focusing on what’s best for our clients, we can often facilitate cost-effective resolutions, conserving our clients’ financial resources and reducing the emotional toll of their disputes.

Diverse and Unique Clients

We represent a broad range of clients, including individuals who have lost a family member and are facing complexities in transferring wealth, personal representatives, estate beneficiaries, trustees and high net worth beneficiaries.  Some of our clients are professional fiduciaries, who appreciate the level of sophistication we bring when dealing with beneficiaries.

Because of the wide range of clients we serve, we do not offer a one-size-fits all solution. Instead, we take a nuanced approach in resolving conflict, whether directly with the fiduciary or between the beneficiaries.