Trusts and Estates Litigation

What Is Orphans’ Court?

Trusts and estates disputes in Pennsylvania are heard in Orphans’ Court, a specialized division of the Court of Common Pleas with jurisdiction over wills, trusts, estates, and fiduciary matters. If you are involved in a dispute over an inheritance, a contested accounting, or the actions of an executor or trustee, Orphans’ Court is where that matter will be resolved.

What We Handle

SMGG represents clients in a full range of trusts and estates disputes, including:

• Will contests — challenging or defending the validity of a will on grounds such as undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud
• Contested accountings — scrutinizing how an estate or trust has been administered and whether assets have been properly accounted for
• Breach of fiduciary duty claims — holding executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries accountable when they fail to fulfill their legal obligations
• Removal of executors or trustees — petitioning the court to remove a fiduciary who is mismanaging an estate or trust, or defending against such a petition

Guardianship, Adoption, and Family Matters

Orphans’ Court also handles guardianship, adoption, and family formation proceedings. Our litigators collaborate directly with our Adoption, Guardianship, and Family Formation team on these matters, so your family has both the legal knowledge and the litigation experience these cases can require.

Experienced Litigation Representation

Jordan Strassburger represents clients in Orphans’ Court proceedings and a broad range of litigation matters, bringing to each case the preparation, advocacy, and courtroom presence that contested trusts and estates disputes demand. To discuss your matter with Jordan, please contact us.