Chicago Trust and Estate Litigation Attorneys Who Fight for What’s Rightfully Yours
At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we understand that trust and estate disputes are never just about money—they’re about relationships, legacy, and justice. These cases often arise during the most emotionally charged moments in a family’s life, following the death or incapacity of a loved one. That’s why we approach every trust and estate matter with a rare combination of litigation skill, strategic focus, and deep personal sensitivity.
Whether you are a beneficiary seeking your rightful inheritance or a fiduciary defending your actions, we are prepared to protect your interests and pursue resolution with strength and care.
Navigating Disputes That Are Legal, Financial—and Deeply Personal
Trust and estate litigation is unlike any other form of litigation. It often involves close family members in conflict, long standing grievances that resurface under pressure, and substantial financial stakes tied to real property, investments, and family businesses. These disputes are highly emotional—and highly technical.
You need attorneys who can manage both.
Our team knows how to navigate the courtroom while keeping the human dimension front and center. We guide clients through highly personal disputes with clarity, compassion, and confidence—never losing sight of the legal and strategic advantage required to win.
Our Clients and Our Role
We represent a wide range of parties in trust and estate disputes, including:
- Heirs and beneficiaries
- Executors and administrators
- Trustees and co-trustees
- Guardians and conservators
- Family members, spouses, and partners
- Charitable organizations with beneficiary interests
Whether you’re defending your role as a fiduciary or pursuing a challenge to a will or trust, we advocate fiercely on your behalf and explain your rights every step of the way.
Types of Trust and Estate Disputes We Handle
Our attorneys have deep experience in all areas of fiduciary litigation, including:
Will Contests and Trust Challenges
Disputes over the validity of a will or trust, often based on lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. These are some of the most contentious cases we handle—and some of the most important.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
We represent both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in cases where an executor, trustee, or administrator is alleged to have mismanaged estate or trust assets, failed to act in good faith, or violated their legal obligations.
Undue Influence and Lack of Capacity
Litigating claims where a vulnerable individual was manipulated into changing their estate plan, often in favor of one heir at the expense of others.
Trust Interpretation and Construction
When the language in a trust is ambiguous or conflicting, we go to court to determine the settlor’s intent and clarify how assets should be distributed or managed.
Tortious Interference with Expectancy
We represent individuals whose expected inheritance was wrongfully diverted due to manipulation, interference, or fraudulent estate planning tactics.
Accounting and Transparency Disputes
When beneficiaries are denied information or when fiduciaries fail to provide clear, timely accountings, we demand compliance—and seek judicial oversight when necessary.
Estate Property Disputes
Disputes over the ownership, valuation, or rightful distribution of estate assets, including real estate, business interests, personal property, and more.
Claims Under the Illinois Disposition of Remains Act
We have represented clients in disputes arising under this statute, including conflicts over who has the right to control funeral or burial decisions.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Disputes
We handle matters involving contested appointments, financial exploitation, and disputes over the care or control of incapacitated loved ones.
Why Trust and Estate Litigation Requires More Than Just Legal Knowledge
It’s not enough to understand probate code and trust law. Trust and estate litigation demands strategic insight, psychological acuity, and the ability to manage intra-family conflict while keeping the legal goal in focus.
At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we:
- Understand family dynamics – These cases are often layered with resentment, jealousy, or grief. We know how to de-escalate when appropriate—and how to apply pressure when needed.
- Protect our clients from unnecessary drama – We don’t let emotions derail your case or distract from your outcome.
- Think several moves ahead – Whether your goal is a fair settlement or full-blown litigation, we build a strategy designed to get you there.
Examples of Real-World Trust and Estate Battles
While our cases are handled with discretion, the world has seen numerous public examples of trust and estate litigation that mirror what we see behind closed doors.
Take the well-known case of Sumner Redstone, the late media mogul who was involved in multiple legal battles in his final years. Disputes arose over his capacity to amend his trust, the actions of caretakers and companions, and the corporate control of his holdings in CBS and Viacom. The litigation revealed the intersection of aging, wealth, influence, and trust disputes—similar to the cases we litigate regularly.
Another example is the litigation surrounding the estate of Aretha Franklin, who left multiple handwritten wills that conflicted with one another. The legal battle among her children over which will was valid made headlines and highlighted the importance of proper estate planning—and the role litigation plays when that planning goes awry.
These cases demonstrate that trust and estate disputes are not just for the ultra-wealthy. They can affect any family, any inheritance, and any legacy.
Trial-Ready Attorneys. Compassionate Counsel.
At Landsman Saldinger Carroll, we are trial lawyers. We are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary, but we also understand that many trust and estate disputes can—and should—be resolved through negotiation or mediation.
We are strategic about when to settle, when to push forward, and when to take a hard line. Our goal is always to protect your financial interests, preserve family harmony when possible, and get to the truth.
Why Clients Choose Us
- Litigation experience that commands respect – Opposing counsel knows we’re prepared to try the case. That changes the dynamic from the start.
- Personalized attention – We understand the sensitive nature of these matters. You are not just another case. We treat every client with discretion and care.
- Results that speak for themselves – From multi-million-dollar trust disputes to complex will contests, we have consistently delivered favorable outcomes for clients across Illinois.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Legacy
If you are facing a trust or estate dispute, don’t navigate it alone. Whether you are seeking justice as a beneficiary or need defense as a fiduciary, Landsman Saldinger Carroll will stand by your side.
We know how to manage conflict, protect your rights, and preserve what matters most. You’ve worked too hard—or your loved one did—for their legacy to be undone by litigation gone wrong.
Contact Landsman Saldinger Carroll today to schedule a consultation with our trust and estate litigation team. Let us help you move forward—with strength, strategy, and results.
