{"id":3513,"date":"2026-10-22T01:28:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T01:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-contest-defense-attorney-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T01:10:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T01:10:05","slug":"trust-contest-defense-attorney-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-contest-defense-attorney-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Trust Contest Defense Attorney Florida | Trust Counsel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3512\" alt=\"Beneficiaries and their lawyers review settlement papers in a probate court hallway outside a hearing room.\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/beneficiaries-and-their-lawyers-review-settlement-papers-in-photo-1.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/beneficiaries-and-their-lawyers-review-settlement-papers-in-photo-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/beneficiaries-and-their-lawyers-review-settlement-papers-in-photo-1-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/beneficiaries-and-their-lawyers-review-settlement-papers-in-photo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/beneficiaries-and-their-lawyers-review-settlement-papers-in-photo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/beneficiaries-and-their-lawyers-review-settlement-papers-in-photo-1.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Trust Litigation | Coral Gables, Florida<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Trust Contest Defense for Florida Beneficiaries, Heirs and Fiduciaries<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.769), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Trust Counsel, PL represents beneficiaries, heirs and fiduciaries in trust disputes from our Coral Gables office. Start with a free first consultation: it is confidential, with no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Leslie V. Marenco \u00b7 Published October 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A trust contest defense attorney in Florida helps a trustee or other fiduciary respond when a beneficiary or heir says a trust, or an amendment to it, is not valid. The defense turns on the trust documents, the settlor&#8217;s history and the statutes that set the grounds and deadlines. Trust Counsel, PL focuses on trust and estate litigation from its only office, in Coral Gables, Florida.<\/p>\n<h2>What Trust Contest Defense Covers and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n<p>A trust contest is a court challenge to whether a trust, or part of it, is valid. It usually starts after the settlor (the person who created the trust) dies. This page is for trustees, successor trustees, personal representative (often called an executor) and other fiduciaries named in a trust that someone has challenged or threatened to challenge. Trust Counsel&#8217;s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative. The firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries in trust and probate disputes. For the wider practice, see our <a href=\"\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/\">trust litigation attorney<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a beneficiary has filed or threatened to contest a trust you administer, we can review the petition with you in a free, confidential first consultation. Talk it through with Trust Counsel, PL &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/two-female-lawyers-review-legal-documents-in-a-courtroom-hal-photo-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two female lawyers in a courtroom review legal documents at a table.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Common Grounds Beneficiaries Raise in a Florida Trust Contest<\/h2>\n<p>The most common grounds are lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud and document problems. The challenger carries the load of proof. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0207.html\">\u00a7 736.0207<\/a>, the contestant has the burden of establishing the grounds for invalidity.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lack of capacity.<\/strong> The challenger says the settlor could not understand the trust or amendment at signing. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0601.html\">\u00a7 736.0601<\/a>, the capacity needed for a revocable trust is the same as that needed to make a will.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Undue influence.<\/strong> The challenger says someone pressured or controlled the settlor&#8217;s choices. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0406.html\">\u00a7 736.0406<\/a>, a trust or part of a trust procured by undue influence is void.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fraud.<\/strong> The challenger says the settlor was misled.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disputed amendments.<\/strong> The challenger says a later amendment is not genuine. Our forged trust amendment page covers this issue in more detail.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Penalty clauses.<\/strong> Some trusts threaten to cut out anyone who contests. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.1108.html\">\u00a7 736.1108<\/a>, such a provision is unenforceable for trusts created on or after October 1, 1993, and a revocable trust counts as created when the right to revoke it ends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The grounds named in the petition shape the work from day one.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Fiduciary&#8217;s Defense Includes<\/h2>\n<p>A fiduciary&#8217;s defense starts with the documents and then moves to the petition, discovery and the ongoing administration. Here is what the work usually covers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Document review.<\/strong> The trust, every amendment, drafting and signing records, and the administration file.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petition review.<\/strong> Whether the petition has procedural or legal defects that support an early motion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discovery.<\/strong> Written requests, document production, subpoenas, and depositions of the challenger, witnesses and drafting professionals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evidence on capacity and influence.<\/strong> Medical records, witness statements and the circumstances of signing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protecting the administration.<\/strong> Accountings and clear communication with beneficiaries while the case is pending.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution.<\/strong> Settlement talks, mediation and trial preparation if the contest does not settle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Read about a beneficiary&#8217;s right to see trust documents.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Trust Contest Defense Works: Steps and Timeline<\/h2>\n<p>A trust contest moves from a deadline check to discovery and then to settlement or trial. Each step builds on the one before.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Intake and deadline check.<\/strong> Bring the trust, amendments, the death certificate and any petition or notice you received. For a trust that was revocable at the settlor&#8217;s death, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0604.html\">\u00a7 736.0604<\/a> bars a contest not started within the earlier of the time under chapter 95 or six months after the trustee sent the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust&#8217;s existence, of the trustee&#8217;s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Notice to beneficiaries.<\/strong> For an irrevocable trust, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0813.html\">\u00a7 736.0813<\/a> requires the trustee, within 60 days after acquiring knowledge of the trust&#8217;s creation or that a formerly revocable trust has become irrevocable, to give qualified beneficiaries notice of the trust&#8217;s existence, the settlor&#8217;s identity, and their rights under the section; paragraph (b) does not apply to an irrevocable trust created before the code&#8217;s effective date, or to a revocable trust that became irrevocable before that date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Response to the petition.<\/strong> Filings follow the petition and the court&#8217;s schedule.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Discovery.<\/strong> Depositions and records requests run on the court&#8217;s scheduling order.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mediation or trial.<\/strong> If the contest does not settle, it goes to trial.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>While this happens, the trustee keeps administering the trust. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.08165.html\">\u00a7 736.08165<\/a>, while a proceeding is pending the trustee proceeds with administration as if no proceeding had been commenced, but no action may be taken and no distribution may be made to a beneficiary in contravention of the rights of persons who may be affected by the outcome. On motion of a party and good cause shown, a court may make an exception and authorize the trustee to act or distribute trust assets, subject to conditions such as posting bond. The timeline depends on the grounds, the number of parties and the court&#8217;s calendar. No one can predict how long a given contest will take.<\/p>\n<h2>Trust Counsel&#8217;s Role for Fiduciaries<\/h2>\n<p>The firm does not serve as trustee, personal representative or any other fiduciary. Trust Counsel&#8217;s attorneys can serve individually as trustee or personal representative. The firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries in trust and probate disputes. Leslie V. Marenco is the responsible lawyer for this page. Tanya Vega is also a lawyer at the firm.<\/p>\n<p>The firm&#8217;s litigation work supports the fiduciary&#8217;s defense of the administration, from the first document review through any hearing. Fiduciary compensation is a separate question. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0733\/Sections\/0733.617.html\">\u00a7 733.617<\/a>, a personal representative is entitled to a commission payable from estate assets without court order for ordinary services. That commission is based on the compensable value of the estate.<\/p>\n<h2>Cost, Compensation and Time Questions Fiduciaries Ask<\/h2>\n<p>Cost depends on the grounds raised, how much discovery is needed, the number of depositions, motion work and whether the case settles. The firm offers a free first consultation &#8212; confidential, with no obligation to continue. The firm does not publish hourly rates, retainers or price ranges on this page.<\/p>\n<p>In actions for breach of fiduciary duty or challenging a trustee&#8217;s powers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.1004.html\">\u00a7 736.1004<\/a> directs the court to award taxable costs, including attorney fees. The court may decide which party&#8217;s interest in the trust or other property pays them. Whether a fiduciary recovers defense costs turns on the claims and the court&#8217;s rulings.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with Trust Counsel, PL &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Contest Defense in Florida<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When can a trust be challenged?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A contest of a revocable trust may not begin until the trust becomes irrevocable by its terms or by the settlor&#8217;s death, under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0207.html\">\u00a7 736.0207<\/a>. When the settlor dies, a revocable trust becomes irrevocable, so a contest may then begin. The statute does not prohibit such an action by the guardian of the property of an incapacitated settlor.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the time limit for contesting a trust?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a trust that was revocable at the settlor\u2019s death, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0736\/Sections\/0736.0604.html\">\u00a7 736.0604<\/a> bars the action if it is not commenced within the earlier of: (1) the time provided in chapter 95; or (2) six months after the trustee sent the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust\u2019s existence, of the trustee\u2019s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a trustee keep administering the trust during a contest?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The trustee proceeds with administration, but cannot make distributions that conflict with the rights of persons affected by the outcome.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What should a fiduciary do first?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gather the trust, amendments, the petition and any notice, then calendar every deadline the petition or notice triggers.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does a trust contest defense attorney in Florida serve clients outside Coral Gables?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our only office is in Coral Gables. We serve clients in Miami, Doral, Kendall, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-lawyer-sits-across-a-desk-from-an-upset-couple-during-a-se-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A lawyer meets with a distressed couple to discuss a settlement across a desk in a law office.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk to Trust Counsel About Your Trust Contest<\/h2>\n<p>If a beneficiary or heir has challenged the trust you administer, the petition and the deadlines need prompt review. Bring the trust and every notice you received to a review with Leslie V. Marenco. Call (305) 707-7126 or <a href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">schedule online<\/a> to book your free first consultation, which is confidential and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Trust Counsel, PL, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 802, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Viewing this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to do so.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How Trust Counsel approaches a trust contest<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Careful review of the trust documents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start by reviewing the trust instrument, amendments and related estate records so you understand what the documents say and how they fit together.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear, direct communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our attorneys explain the issues, the options and the likely next steps in plain language, so you can make informed decisions about your case.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Representation on both sides of a dispute<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries, so we understand the perspective of each party in a trust dispute.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focused on protecting your position<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trust Counsel concentrates in probate and trust litigation, and we work to protect the interests of the clients we represent.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Trust disputes move quickly<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because trust contests can involve strict procedures and tight timing, it helps to speak with counsel early, before positions harden or important steps are taken.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Who we help in trust contest matters<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beneficiaries and heirs<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We represent beneficiaries and heirs who are questioning a trust or defending their share of the estate in Florida.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trustees and personal representatives<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The firm advises and represents trustees, personal representatives and beneficiaries facing a challenge to a trust or estate plan.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Families across South Florida<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We serve clients in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Doral, Kendall, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne and Aventura, with our office in Coral Gables.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confidential first consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our free first consultation is confidential and carries no obligation to continue, giving you a chance to discuss your situation before deciding how to proceed.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with Leslie V. Marenco about your trust contest<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13057077126\">Call (305) 707-7126 or book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/contact\/\">Call (305) 707-7126 or book a free strategy call<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-contest-vs-will-contest-florida\/\">What Is the Difference Between a Trust Contest and a Will Contest in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-attorney-breach-of-fiduciary-duty-trustee-florida\/\">Breach of Fiduciary Duty by a Trustee in Florida: Lawsuit Basics<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-attorney-can-a-lawyer-be-a-trustee-florida\/\">Can a Lawyer Serve as Trustee in Florida? Conflicts, Individual Service and Alternatives<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-attorney-coral-gables\/\">Trust Litigation Attorney in Coral Gables, Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-litigation-attorney-personal-representative-resign-florida\/\">Can a Personal Representative Resign in Florida?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Facing a trust contest in Florida? Review grounds, deadlines and defense steps with Trust Counsel in Coral Gables. Free first consultation, confidential, with no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":27,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-contest-defense-attorney-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/es\/abogado-litigios-fideicomisos\/abogado-defensa-impugnacion-fideicomiso-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/trust-litigation-attorney\/trust-contest-defense-attorney-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Trust Contest Defense Attorney in Florida for Trustees and Fiduciaries\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Trustees, successor trustees, personal representatives and other fiduciaries named in a contested trust or estate\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Trust Counsel, PL\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/trustcounsel.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"name\": \"Coral Gables\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Miami\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Doral\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Kendall\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Pinecrest\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Key Biscayne\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Aventura\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Fort Lauderdale\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Boca Raton\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"West Palm Beach\", \"@type\": \"City\"}], \"description\": \"Describes how a Florida trust contest defense works for trustees, successor trustees, personal representatives and other fiduciaries served with or threatened with a trust contest. 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