Bad Trustees Newsletter

Protecting Families from Trust Disputes

by Bad Trustees | August 31, 2025 | Beneficiary | 0 Comments

Trust disputes are some of the most painful conflicts a family can face. They often pit siblings against each other, strain relationships, and drain resources. The sad part is that many disputes are avoidable.

The True Role of a Trustee

by Bad Trustees | August 31, 2025 | Beneficiary | 0 Comments

A trustee’s job is to follow the instructions in the trust document exactly as they were written by the person who created it. That means no favoritism, no shortcuts, and no self-interest.

Why Beneficiaries Deserve Transparency

by Bad Trustees | August 31, 2025 | Beneficiary | 0 Comments

Transparency is more than just a legal obligation — it’s a moral one. Beneficiaries are not asking for favors; they are asking for what was intended for them

Why a Bad Trustee Would Not Be Entitled to Trustee Fees

by Bad Trustees | August 16, 2025 | Liability, Trustee | 0 Comments

⚖️ Why a Bad Trustee Would Not be Entitled to Trustee Fees?Forfeiting Trustee FeesIf the Bad Trustee is facing potential surcharge and documented breaches of fiduciary duty, his claim to trustee fees is almost certainly dead in the water — and trying to push for them...

Why a Bad Trustee Attorney Might Settle Before Trial

by Bad Trustees | August 16, 2025 | Trust Attorney | 0 Comments

If the Bad Trustee Attorney sees that the Good Trust Beneficiaires Attorney has clear, documented proof of the Bad Trustee’s lies — and those lies tie directly to measurable financial losses — there’s a strong chance he’ll push the Bad Trustee to settle before trial rather than risk.

⚖️ What Happens in a Probate Court Trial?

by Bad Trustees | May 31, 2025 | The Basics, Trustee | 0 Comments

A probate court trial is a legal proceeding that occurs when there is a dispute over a deceased person’s estate—often about a will, inheritance rights, or the actions of an executor or trustee. It happens when the normal probate process can’t be resolved administratively and must go before a judge.

Strategy on getting a trustee to settle before having to go to trial

May 18, 2025 | The Basics, Trustee

Strategy on getting a trustee to settle before having to go to trialTrying to settle with a Bad...

Can a spouse be held liable for a lying trustee?

May 3, 2025 | The Basics, Trustee

Can a spouse be held liable for a lying trustee?Spouse Liability for Bad TrusteesYes, a spouse can...

What are the duties of a Trustee?

Jul 23, 2024 | The Basics

A trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, including duties of loyalty, impartiality, and management.

What is an 850 petition?

Feb 23, 2024 | Legal Terminology

In California, an “850 petition,” also known as a Heggstad petition, is a legal tool used to request a court order to transfer or confirm ownership of property that is believed to belong to a trust or estate but is held by another party, often to avoid a formal probate process.

Tactics of a lying and deceitful Trustee

Jan 6, 2024 | The Basics

A lying trustee can use various tactics to deceive beneficiaries, conceal their actions, or avoid accountability.

What is a breach of fiduciary duty in probate?

Apr 11, 2023 | Legal Terminology, The Basics, Trustee

A breach of fiduciary duty in probate occurs when an executor (or trustee) fails to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries or the estate, violating their fiduciary duty.

How to prepare for probate mediation

Apr 9, 2023 | The Basics

How to prepare for probate mediationProbate Mediation PreparationOkay, probate mediation is a fantastic way to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. But it requires preparation. Here's a breakdown of how to prepare for probate mediation, broken down into...

Signs of a Dishonest Trustee

Jan 29, 2023 | The Basics, Trustee

A dishonest trustee can cause significant harm to beneficiaries and the trust itself. Here are common warning signs that a trustee may be acting dishonestly or in breach of their fiduciary duties.