If you suspect a sibling is stealing from an estate or trust in which you are a beneficiary, you very likely need the protection of a trust litigation attorney. Unfortunately, sibling theft is an all-too-common occurrence. Fortunately, an experienced trust litigation attorney can usually help recover stolen assets, and quite possibly have your sibling disinherited and recover attorney’s fees and costs.
My sibling is stealing from the estate or family trust, can I get my share of the assets back?
The short answer is “yes, you can expect to get your assets back.” At RMO, we have typically been able to recover stolen assets in six to twelve months, but sometimes sooner, in as little as 30 days. In many cases, the sibling who stole the assets will return them voluntarily after receiving a demand letter from an attorney outlining the stiff penalties if they fail to comply. In those instances where they still refuse, we generally see the assets returned shortly after court proceedings are initiated. In situations where these strategies fail, then those court processes can serve to obtain court orders requiring the return of the stolen assets, and sometimes the payment of attorney’s fees, costs and other damages.
Do I need proof they’re stealing assets from the estate?
No. Getting proof that a brother or sister is stealing is not your job. A trust litigation attorney will quarterback the investigation, due diligence and detective work required. Evidence disappears and memories fade, however, so the sooner you contact an experienced trust litigation attorney near you, the better. It’s much easier for the attorney and their investigation staff to follow a fresh trail of information and documents.
What do I do when my sibling steals my inheritance?
It’s natural to get angry, frustrated, and sad when a brother or sister breaches your trust. We see this situation every day, and suggest the following: 1) Contact a trust attorney as soon as you suspect a sibling has stolen your inheritance, 2) Allow the trust attorney to protect you and handle the situation, 3) Know that we’ve seen many families go through this experience and go on to have healthy, productive, fruitful lives.
What is the penalty for my sibling stealing from the estate? Will they go to jail?
Generally, the theft of estate assets by a sibling is treated as a civil matter. That means: No jail time is involved. As a victim, you do have the option to make a criminal complaint and ask the district attorney to prosecute your sibling, either when you suspect theft, or have proven they stole your assets or inheritance from the estate. While we don’t typically see clients who want to send their sibling to jail, it is a legal option. That said, the threat of criminal charges CANNOT be used as leverage to motivate a sibling who has stolen assets, to return those assets quickly, in your civil probate litigation matter.
How should you feel when a sibling steals your inheritance?
It’s natural to feel angry, disappointed, scared, and hurt. Any number of feelings. Just remember, regardless of what your brother or sister did, you have the ability to control the response. In our experience a calm, measured approach almost always is the best course, and that can be difficult when you are “in it” after discovering your sibling stole your inheritance. Hiring an experienced trust litigation attorney allows you to protect your rights while layering in an objective party to help guide the process and help you make well-informed decisions. Many clients experience a sense of relief even after just beginning the process with a trust litigation attorney. Your probate attorney and their firm become a team you can rely on to protect you, your family, and your rightful inheritance.
How can I get over my sibling stealing my inheritance?
It takes time to get past the emotions of a sibling stealing your inheritance. At RMO, we often counsel clients on more than just the facts of their case. We understand that these cases take an emotional toll on our clients, and we take pride in helping you not only understand the legal ramifications of your case, but holding your hand through what likely is the only litigation, and perhaps the only family litigation, you likely will ever be involved in. Our goal always is to leave our clients in a better place than we found them, both financially and emotionally.
When do I need a trust litigation attorney?
You should consider a trust litigation attorney the moment you suspect a brother or sister is stealing your inheritance or assets from the estate. Often a trust attorney can quickly begin communications with the suspected sibling and/or their attorney, and resolve the theft quickly. The odds of recovering your assets are much higher the sooner you act, before your sibling has a chance to “spend” the assets.
Do I need a trust litigation attorney near me?
We recommend finding an experienced trust litigation attorney familiar with the county probate court in the county where the decedent lived. For example, if the decedent lived in Los Angeles, we recommend working with a trust litigation attorney in Los Angeles. A Los Angeles probate lawyer will generally be more familiar with the Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Division, versus an out of state attorney.
Have questions? Contact us right now. It’s totally free.
[emailprotected] or call (424) 320-9444
Read More
The Guide to Family Trust Embezzlement and Stealing
Can I Contest My Parents’ Will in California?
How to Contest a Trust From Home
The Trustee’s Guide to Breach of Trust Claims
The Guide to Sibling Inheritance Laws and Rights
About RMO Lawyers, LLP
RMO LLPserves clients inLos Angeles, Santa Monica, Orange County, San Diego, Kansas City, Miami, and communities throughout California, Florida, Missouri and Kansas. Our founder, Scott E. Rahn has been named“Top 100 – Trust and Estate Litigation” by SuperLawyers, Trusts and Estates Litigator of the Year, and Best Lawyers in America for Litigation – Trusts and Estates. For a free consultation, call(424) 320-9444or visit:https://rmolawyers.com
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As an expert in trust litigation and estate matters, I've spent years navigating the intricate legal landscape surrounding sibling theft, estate protection, and the recovery of stolen assets. My expertise extends to the practical aspects of trust litigation, including the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional toll it takes on beneficiaries. Let me shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article.
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Trust Litigation Attorney: Trust litigation attorneys specialize in resolving disputes related to trusts and estates. They possess a deep understanding of probate laws, civil litigation, and the nuances of family conflicts. The article emphasizes the importance of seeking the protection of a trust litigation attorney when dealing with sibling theft from an estate or trust.
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Recovery of Stolen Assets: The article suggests that an experienced trust litigation attorney can often recover stolen assets within a specific timeframe, ranging from 30 days to 12 months. The recovery process may involve sending demand letters outlining penalties and, if necessary, initiating court proceedings to obtain court orders for the return of stolen assets.
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Proof of Sibling Theft: Beneficiaries are not required to gather proof of sibling theft on their own. Trust litigation attorneys take on the responsibility of investigating, conducting due diligence, and gathering evidence to build a case. Acting swiftly is crucial to follow a fresh trail of information and documents before evidence disappears or memories fade.
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Emotional Response to Sibling Theft: The article recognizes the natural emotional responses of anger, frustration, and sadness when a sibling breaches trust by stealing inheritance. It advises beneficiaries to contact a trust attorney promptly, allowing an objective party to guide the process and help make well-informed decisions.
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Legal Ramifications and Penalties: In cases of sibling theft, the matter is generally treated as a civil issue. Criminal complaints can be filed, but jail time is not automatic. The threat of criminal charges cannot be used to leverage the return of stolen assets in civil probate litigation matters.
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Role of Trust Litigation Attorney: Trust litigation attorneys serve as advocates for beneficiaries, helping them navigate the legal process and protect their rights. The article encourages a calm and measured approach, highlighting the role of an attorney in providing guidance and support throughout the litigation.
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Timing of Hiring a Trust Litigation Attorney: Acting promptly is crucial when suspecting sibling theft. The article recommends engaging a trust litigation attorney as soon as suspicions arise to increase the likelihood of quick resolution and asset recovery.
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Choosing a Local Trust Litigation Attorney: It is advised to select a trust litigation attorney familiar with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. Local expertise, such as knowledge of the Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Division, is deemed beneficial for effective representation.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the legal processes, emotional aspects, and strategic considerations involved in dealing with sibling theft from an estate or trust. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the provided email or phone number for a free consultation.
