Zabel Schellenberg represents Connecticut trustees, beneficiaries, and other interested parties in disputes involving trusts, fiduciary responsibilities, and the management or distribution of trust property. Our attorneys bring experience in trust and probate litigation, complex civil disputes, and matters involving real estate and closely held business interests.

Disagreements involving a trust may concern how the trust instrument should be interpreted, whether a trustee has fulfilled their obligations, the handling of financial or property interests, or the information and accounting provided to beneficiaries. We evaluate these disputes with attention to the governing documents, the relevant transactions, the rights of the parties, and the practical consequences of potential remedies.

Trustee and Beneficiary Disputes

Our attorneys assist clients with disputes concerning trust administration, interpretation of trust provisions, distributions, accountings, allegations of conflicts of interest, and concerns about potential breaches of fiduciary duties. These matters may involve substantial financial assets, business interests, or real estate and can require careful examination of records and transactions over an extended period.

We represent beneficiaries seeking to understand or challenge a trustee's conduct and fiduciaries responding to contested claims, subject to applicable conflicts of interest. We recognize that the duties, procedures, and remedies available in a particular dispute depend on the trust instrument, the applicable law, and the relief being sought.

Strategic Resolution of Trust Litigation

Trust disputes often affect both long-term financial interests and significant family relationships. We work with clients to identify the central issues, organize the relevant evidence, assess potential claims and defenses, and determine whether a negotiated resolution is possible.

When formal proceedings are necessary, our attorneys provide litigation representation informed by experience with civil trial practice, alternative dispute resolution, and related probate matters. If a dispute overlaps with real estate transactions, closely held companies, or an estate administration, we coordinate across the firm's relevant practice areas.

Our focus remains on protecting the client's legal position while evaluating the cost, complexity, and practical consequences of different approaches.

Related Services: Probate Litigation and Will Contests; Civil and Commercial Litigation; Real Estate and Development; Appellate Advocacy