Estate Litigation

Estate Litigation Attorney in South Jordan

Protecting Utah Families in Will, Trust, & Probate Disputes for Over 30 Years

Estate litigation covers the disputes that arise when estate administration breaks down: contested wills, trustee misconduct, conflicts among beneficiaries, and challenges to guardianship or conservatorship appointments. Personal representatives, trustees, heirs, and beneficiaries can all find themselves on one side or the other of these disputes. At Sandberg, Stettler, & White, we’ve helped Utah families navigate these conflicts for over 30 years, working to protect our clients’ rights and help assets reach the people they’re meant to reach.

Our practice covers the full range of estate-related disputes, from probate administration conflicts and trust document challenges to guardianship contests. Every matter we take on gets a legal strategy built around the client’s specific situation, not a generic approach borrowed from the last similar case.

If you’re facing an estate dispute in South Jordan, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Call our office at (385) 481-5276 to schedule a free consultation, available virtually or in person.

Why South Jordan Clients Work With Sandberg, Stettler, & White

Complex legal disputes are harder to navigate when the law isn’t explained in plain terms. We make sure clients understand what’s happening at every stage so they can make informed decisions rather than simply following instructions. That approach, combined with a customized strategy for each matter, is why clients return to us and refer their families.

What distinguishes our practice in estate litigation is where our experience runs deepest. Our attorneys have litigated against the state on Medicaid eligibility matters, helping clients pursue benefits and asset protection when claims were wrongly denied or reduced. For veterans and their surviving spouses, our VA-accredited attorneys bring the same advocacy to Veterans Affairs benefit appeals. When a denied benefit affects how much of an estate remains available to protect and distribute, that combination of capabilities matters in a way that general litigation experience alone doesn’t.

Types of Estate Disputes in South Jordan

Estate litigation isn’t one kind of case. The disputes we handle fall into several distinct categories, each with its own legal basis and path to resolution.

Will Contests

A will contest challenges whether a will is legally valid. Common grounds include claims that the person who made the will lacked the mental capacity to do so, that someone exerted undue influence over their decisions, or that the will wasn’t properly executed under Utah law. These cases often involve close examination of medical records, witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding the will’s signing.

Trust Disputes

Trust disputes frequently center on breach of fiduciary duty by a trustee: mismanaging trust assets, self-dealing, failing to account to beneficiaries, or treating beneficiaries unequally when the trust doesn’t permit it. Challenges to the validity of the trust document itself also fall here.

Probate & Fiduciary Disputes

When a personal representative mismanages an estate, delays distribution without cause, or provides inaccurate accountings, beneficiaries and heirs can raise those concerns through the court. These disputes can also involve questions about how estate assets are valued or distributed.

Guardianship & Conservatorship Disputes

Contested guardianship and conservatorship matters arise when family members disagree about who should be appointed or when an existing guardian or conservator’s conduct raises concerns. Courts can review both appointments and the ongoing conduct of those who hold these roles.

When Medicaid & VA Benefits Intersect With Estate Disputes

Public benefit eligibility doesn’t always resolve cleanly before a person passes away. When Medicaid or VA benefit claims are denied or reduced, those decisions can be appealed through administrative and judicial processes. What makes these disputes relevant to estate litigation is practical: benefit eligibility rules and long-term care costs directly affect how much of an estate remains available for heirs and beneficiaries. A dispute over benefit entitlement can quickly become a dispute about the estate itself.

Long-term care costs can also create tension among family members during estate administration, particularly when some members bore more of the financial burden than others. Understanding how public benefit eligibility intersects with estate distribution is often necessary to see the full picture of a dispute.

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Why Choose Sandberg, Stettler, & White?

Empathy & Understanding

We'll treat you with compassion - your concerns are our priority, and we're here to listen and support.
Integrity & Experience

We uphold the highest ethical standards and bring a wealth of experience to every case.
Client-Centered Advocacy

Your success is our success. We tailor our strategies to you and your specific needs.
We Speak Your Language

We'll explain complex legal matters in plain language, ensuring you can make informed decisions.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Estate litigation can feel overwhelming, especially when family relationships are already under strain. Our process is designed to give you clarity from the first conversation.

We start with an engagement and assessment conversation: we listen to your concerns, learn your goals, and get an overview of the case background before any formal work begins. From there, we move into a file review and analysis stage, examining the relevant documents, including the will, trust instrument, estate paperwork, and family details. That review identifies the grounds for a claim or defense and shapes the strategy we recommend.

Throughout the matter, we keep you informed at each stage. Estate disputes can take unexpected turns, and our goal is for you to understand what’s happening and what your options are as the case develops, not to receive updates after decisions have already been made.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Estate Litigation Lawyer in South Jordan

Whether you’re contesting a will, disputing a trustee’s conduct, or dealing with a contested guardianship, getting the right legal guidance early can make a difference. Sandberg, Stettler, & White offers free consultations scheduled virtually or in person, so you can get answers without a commitment.

Call (385) 481-5276 today to speak with an estate litigation attorney in South Jordan and find out how we can help with your dispute.

Power of Attorney Agents & Fiduciary Duties Under Utah Law

Not all estate-related disputes originate inside a will or trust. Under Utah’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act, a person given authority to act on someone else’s behalf (the agent) takes on fiduciary duties to the person who granted that authority (the principal). Those duties typically include acting in the principal’s best interest and keeping the principal’s funds separate from the agent’s own.

When an agent misuses that authority, whether by making unauthorized transfers, commingling funds, or making decisions that benefit the agent rather than the principal, Utah law provides a path for affected parties to seek court review. A breach of fiduciary duty claim generally requires showing that a fiduciary relationship existed, that the duty was breached, that the breach caused harm, and that damages resulted. Elder financial exploitation cases often involve exactly this kind of conduct.

The Third District Court & Standing in Estate Disputes

For South Jordan residents, probate and estate litigation matters are handled by the Third District Court, which serves Salt Lake County as well as Summit and Tooele counties. Knowing which court has jurisdiction and what filing requirements apply is a practical first step in any dispute.

Utah law generally allows interested parties to raise concerns in estate litigation. That category can include heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and personal representatives, depending on the nature of the dispute and the relief being sought. Determining whether a party has standing to bring or respond to a claim is often one of the first questions we address when reviewing a new matter.

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Contact Us Today

Let Us Help Secure Your Future

Start here to to get a consultation with our experienced team of compassionate attorneys. Use the form below or call us at (385) 481-5276.

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5-Star Client Reviews

At SSW Law, You're Our First Priority

Read client testimonials in their own words and see the difference a compassionate and dedicated team of advocates can make.

"Just a great firm to work with."
He always was available and explained the legal terms and issues to where we could understand everything. No tricks, no problems, no hidden fees. Just a great firm to work with.

- Steven M.
"He Fights for What's Right"
Kelly is knowledgeable and fights for what is right. He keeps you grounded throughout the court process and is reassuring. If you need someone to fight for your children he’s the one.

- Cassie M.
"On Top of Things"
I’ve had a very good experience working with this firm.They worked with me and my parents to get their estate in order and he is very knowledgeable in all things related to the VA.

- Former Client
"Can't Say Enough Good Things"
SSW Law helped me to enforce my mother's will, set up a trust, deal with the IRS, cash in all her assets, and distribute them to all the heirs. I can’t say enough good things about these guys.

- John W.
"Knowledgable and Responsive"
They’re awesome. These guys were easy to work with and weren’t trying to bill me for every hour possible. They took care of my family issues like family and my business/contract stuff like efficient professionals.

- Ryan T.
"Simple and hassle-free estate planning."
SSW made our estate planning simple and hassle-free. Kohle was very patient and thorough, assuring that we fully understood all of our options. We will continue to use your firm for any changes to our estate.

- Jeff L.
"Patient and Thorough"
Casey Stettler came highly recommended and did not disappoint! He was incredibly patient and thorough with us as we talked through various scenarios for our will and trust.

- Nathaniel H.
"Polite staff, swift service."
I was able to get an appointment for my consultation right away. The office staff were very polite. Khole was great to work with, answered all of my questions and was very detail-oriented.

- Melissa F.

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