Wills And Trusts Attorney in West Palm Beach

Guidance When A Will Or Trust Is In Dispute

If you are facing a problem with a will or trust connected to West Palm Beach, you may feel grief, frustration, and uncertainty all at once. A loved one’s estate plan might not match what you were told, a trustee may not be sharing information, or you may suspect that someone took advantage of an elderly relative. In moments like this, you need clear, practical advice from a wills and trusts attorney who understands Florida probate and trust litigation.

At Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., we help executors, beneficiaries, trustees, and heirs throughout Florida work through contested wills, trust disputes, and fiduciary conflicts. Since 2002, our firm has focused on probate, trust, and estate litigation, and we have represented thousands of clients in estate-related disputes. We work to protect your rights and to see that a decedent’s true wishes are respected under Florida law.

Our attorneys have secured more than $230 million in verdicts and settlements for clients in estate and related litigation. Our founding attorney, Adrian P. Thomas, holds an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and a 10 Superb rating from Avvo, and has been recognized among Florida’s Legal Elite. 

Secure your family's future and protect your assets with our wills and trusts attorney in West Palm Beach. Contact Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A., today to schedule a confidential consultation and build a comprehensive estate plan.

When A Will Or Trust Goes Wrong

Many families reach out to us after a shock. A last will surfaces that drastically changes prior plans. A new beneficiary appears who was not part of earlier discussions. A caregiver or distant relative suddenly receives most of the estate. A trust that was supposed to provide steady support instead creates confusion, delay, or a sense that assets are being mishandled.

In these situations, you may worry that your loved one did not truly understand the documents they signed, or that someone pressured them at a vulnerable time. You might feel torn between wanting answers and fearing that taking action will deepen family conflict. At the same time, you know that doing nothing could mean losing a significant inheritance or allowing a fiduciary to continue without proper oversight.

Florida probate and trust law sets specific deadlines and procedures for raising concerns about validity, undue influence, lack of capacity, or breach of fiduciary duty. Waiting too long can limit your options, and informal agreements may not protect you if disagreements later escalate. Our firm has represented more than 5,000 clients in estate related disputes, both pursuing and defending claims, so we are familiar with the patterns that can support effective resolutions and the traps that can harm a case.

If your matter involves a will or trust tied to property or proceedings in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in Palm Beach County, your dispute will usually intersect with the Florida probate system. We help clients understand not only their legal rights, but also the practical impact of each decision within that system, including how it may affect relationships among family members.

How We Handle Will & Trust Disputes

Once you contact our firm, we begin by listening carefully to your story and reviewing key documents, such as the will, any prior wills, trust instruments, accountings, and relevant medical or financial records. Our goal is to identify what legal issues may be present, which Florida deadlines apply, and what realistic outcomes you might pursue. We explain this in plain language so you can make informed decisions from the beginning.

In will contests, we often evaluate questions such as whether the will was executed correctly, whether your loved one had the mental capacity required at the time of signing, and whether there are signs of undue influence or fraud. In trust disputes, we investigate trustee conduct, possible breaches of fiduciary duty, mismanagement or self dealing, and failures to provide information or accountings to beneficiaries. Our attorneys’ backgrounds in estate planning, uncontested probate work, law enforcement, and litigation help us assess both the paperwork and the underlying conduct.

We frequently see cases involving suspected exploitation of elderly or medically fragile individuals. In those matters, our team may examine patterns of financial transactions, changes in relationships, and the timing of estate planning changes. We work to build a complete picture of what happened, which may involve reviewing records, interviewing relevant witnesses, and, when appropriate, consulting outside professionals. A wills and trusts lawyer from our firm can then outline strategies that may include negotiation, mediation, or courtroom litigation.

Our approach is to pursue fair and efficient resolution when possible, recognizing that long court battles can be stressful and expensive. At the same time, we prepare each matter with an eye toward trial so that if negotiation does not produce a reasonable outcome, we are ready to present your case to the court. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, discuss important decisions with you, and respect the emotional weight of the choices you face.

If you suspect a problem with a will or trust, helpful first steps include:

• Collecting copies of any wills, trusts, and related amendments you can locate.
• Saving emails, letters, notes, or messages that may show your loved one’s intentions.
• Recording key dates and events, such as hospitalizations or major relationship changes.
• Avoiding agreements, releases, or distributions without first getting legal advice.
• Scheduling a consultation quickly so deadlines under Florida law can be evaluated.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

Families turn to Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. because probate, trust, and estate litigation is the heart of what we do. Since 2002, our firm has focused on disputes involving wills, trusts, and fiduciary responsibilities throughout Florida, including matters arising in Palm Beach County. This sustained focus means we understand the legal strategies, procedural rules, and family dynamics that can shape the outcome of a complex estate conflict.

Over the years, our attorneys have obtained more than $230 million in verdicts and settlements for clients in estate and related litigation. While every case is different and results depend on specific facts and law, this history shows that clients trust us with high stakes financial disputes that can affect generations. We use that experience to help evaluate the strength of your claims and the risks and benefits of settlement versus continued litigation.

Our founding attorney, Adrian P. Thomas, holds an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell and a 10 Superb rating from Avvo, and has been recognized among Florida’s Legal Elite and by publications such as Forbes Florida and American Lawyer. These independent recognitions reflect our commitment to legal ability and professional conduct. For you, they provide added confidence that when your dispute reaches the courtroom, your case is presented by a team with a strong litigation record.

Equally important, we know that contested wills and trust disputes are rarely just about money. They involve grief, family histories, and sometimes longstanding tensions. We strive to combine strong advocacy with compassion, taking time to listen to your concerns, explain options in clear terms, and consider the broader impact of each legal decision. From the first call through the resolution of your case, our goal is to provide steady guidance when the stakes feel high.

We also understand that worries about cost can discourage people from seeking help. That is why we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. During this conversation, you can ask questions, learn how our firm approaches cases like yours, and get a better sense of whether we are the right fit before you commit to any course of action.

Florida & Palm Beach Probate Context

Most contested wills and many trust disputes in Florida are handled through the probate divisions of the circuit courts. If your matter involves an estate connected to West Palm Beach, it will typically fall within the jurisdiction of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, which includes a probate division. Understanding how that court operates can help set expectations about the steps ahead.

In a typical will contest, there are time limits that can begin when you receive notice of the administration or of the will. Those limits can be short, and missing them may restrict your ability to challenge the document. Trust disputes can also be affected by specific timelines, for example after receiving a trust disclosure or accounting. We help clients identify which periods may apply in their circumstances, because these rules can be complex.

Our firm is based in Fort Lauderdale, and we regularly represent clients in probate and trust litigation across South Florida, including in Palm Beach County. This means we are familiar with the procedures used by the probate division that serves West Palm Beach, such as filing requirements, typical scheduling practices, and how hearings are commonly handled. That practical knowledge helps us prepare your case efficiently and anticipate how certain issues may be addressed.

Many of our clients live outside Florida but have a parent or relative whose estate or trust is being administered here. If you are in that situation, we can usually handle your case without requiring you to travel frequently. We work to keep you informed through phone and electronic communication, and we explain when your appearance might be necessary so you can plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I challenge a will in Florida?

You can generally challenge a will in Florida if you have legal standing and valid grounds, such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. Strict deadlines often apply, and the details matter. We review your documents and timeline to help you understand whether a challenge may be viable.

What if a trustee will not give me information?

Beneficiaries usually have rights to certain information about a trust, including accountings and key documents. If a trustee will not respond or seems evasive, we can evaluate the trust language and Florida law, then discuss options that may include formal requests, court motions, or claims for breach of fiduciary duty.

How quickly do I need to act on a dispute?

Acting promptly is important because Florida law sets specific time limits for many will and trust challenges. Some deadlines may be measured in months from when you receive notice. We encourage you to contact an attorney as soon as concerns arise so those periods can be identified and your options preserved.

How does your firm charge for these cases?

Fee structures in probate, will, and trust disputes can vary based on the case and the issues involved. We discuss fees openly during the free initial consultation and explain available approaches, which may include hourly arrangements or other structures permitted by Florida law. Our goal is to align expectations before any representation begins.

Can you help if I live out of state?

We frequently assist clients who live outside Florida but have a will or trust dispute involving property or proceedings in Palm Beach County or elsewhere in the state. Much of the work can be handled by phone and electronic communication, and we explain when a personal appearance may be necessary in the probate court.

Talk With Our Wills & Trusts Team

If you are facing a contested will, a confusing trust, or concerns about how an estate is being handled, you do not have to sort it out alone. A wills and trusts attorney at Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. can help you understand your rights, the procedures that apply, and the options you may have to protect your interests.

Our firm brings decades of focused probate, trust, and estate litigation work, significant results in estate related disputes, and a commitment to compassionate guidance during difficult times. Whether your matter involves proceedings in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in Florida, we are ready to listen and provide clear direction. 

To discuss your situation with our attorneys, call (954) 764-7273 today.