Business Details
19 Years
experience
Trusted Trust & Estate Litigation Attorneys in Danville, CA
Barr & Young Attorneys has served Northern California since 2007, specializing in trust and estate litigation, administration, and elder law. Our team represents trustees, beneficiaries, and heirs in disputes involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, will contests, and elder abuse cases. With over 20 years of combined experience, including certifications in estate planning and recognition as Super Lawyers, we provide strategic legal guidance tailored to complex trust and estate matters.Our practice combines litigation expertise with comprehensive estate planning to address both preventive and contested scenarios. We prioritize client relationships, transparency, and local community ties, ensuring personalized service across Northern California. Our attorneys have successfully managed 200+ trust administrations, 400+ estate plans, and 100+ securities cases, demonstrating our commitment to resolving disputes efficiently while upholding fiduciary responsibilities.
Services
Trust Litigation
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Will Contests
Elder Abuse Cases
Conservatorships
Securities Arbitration
Probate
Elder Law
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of combined experience in trust and estate litigation.
- Our attorneys are certified specialists in estate planning and probate law.
- We handle 200+ trust administrations and 400+ estate plans annually.
- Our team includes Super Lawyers and Rising Stars recognized for legal excellence.
- We combine litigation expertise with preventive estate planning strategies.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of California
What people say
Very professional
Compassion and understanding
Outstanding work
Highly attentive
Recommend highly
Services
Trust Litigation
We represent trustees and beneficiaries in contested trust matters involving fraud, fiduciary breaches, and will contests. Our attorneys handle mediation, arbitration, and trials to resolve disputes efficiently. With decades of combined experience, we protect client interests in complex litigation cases.
Estate Planning
Our specialists draft comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. We ensure assets transfer according to client wishes while minimizing tax implications. Regular plan reviews maintain legal compliance and adapt to life changes.
Trust Administration
We guide trustees through asset identification, tax filings, and beneficiary distributions. Our process includes accounting preparation, creditor resolution, and investment management following California's Uniform Prudent Investor Act standards.
Elder Abuse Cases
Our team handles physical, financial, and emotional abuse cases involving seniors. We obtain restraining orders, recover misappropriated assets, and pursue legal remedies for victims and families across Northern California.
Will Contests
We litigate challenges to will validity based on mental incapacity, undue influence, or fraud. Our attorneys defend executor actions and represent beneficiaries seeking fair distributions according to decedent intentions.
People
Loren Barr
Partner
Certified estate planning specialist with 25+ years' experience. Super Lawyer since 2008, focusing on trust litigation and administration. Former Marine committed to client integrity and legal excellence.
Graham D. Douds
Partner
Trust and estate litigator with 10+ years' experience. Rising Star awardee since 2017, handling fiduciary disputes and elder abuse cases. Prioritizes alternative dispute resolution before trials.
Lauren B. Bradley
Associate
Estate planning attorney assisting with trust creation and probate compliance. Focuses on minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring smooth asset transfers for Northern California clients.
Amir Shirazi
Associate
Trust administration specialist managing asset distributions and tax filings. Advises trustees on fiduciary duties and compliance with California Probate Code requirements.
William Howard
Associate
Elder law attorney representing clients in abuse cases and conservatorship proceedings. Advocates for senior rights and financial protection in Northern California courts.
Questions
What is the difference between trust administration and probate?
Trust administration avoids court supervision, while probate requires court approval for executor actions. Trust administration is typically faster and less expensive than probate.
Can a trustee refuse to pay a beneficiary?
A trustee cannot refuse payments without valid legal reasons. Beneficiaries can seek court intervention if fiduciary duties are breached.
What are a trustee's responsibilities?
Trustees must act in beneficiaries' best interests, provide regular accountings, manage assets prudently, and follow trust terms strictly.
How long does trust administration take?
Most administrations take 6-12 months, depending on complexity, creditor claims, and tax requirements.
Do I need an attorney for trust administration?
While not mandatory, legal guidance prevents costly mistakes. Our attorneys help navigate complex fiduciary duties and tax compliance.
What if a trustee breaches fiduciary duties?
Beneficiaries can petition courts for trustee removal, financial restitution, and legal fee recovery. We help hold trustees accountable.
