About Bryan L. Phipps
Bryan L. Phipps is the founder and attorney associated with Phipps Law Group in El Dorado Hills, California. His practice focuses on California trust and estate litigation, trust and estate administration, estate planning, conservatorships, and related civil litigation. Bryan is a California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, and he has been consistently nominated by his peers as a Super Lawyer and Super Lawyer Rising Star in the area of Trust & Estate Litigation since 2014. Bryan has served as a mediator or settlement officer in numerous pending legal disputes throughout California.
Experience Serving Families and Fiduciaries
Trust and probate disputes can place beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and other family members in unfamiliar and emotionally difficult territory. Bryan’s focus on California trust and estate litigation, administration, and related civil matters gives him insight into how these conflicts develop and how they may be addressed within the California legal system.
Because he has worked with hundreds of families on estates, trusts, and conservatorships, Bryan is familiar with the responsibilities of fiduciaries and the concerns of beneficiaries when questions arise over inheritances, accountings, use of trust assets, or the intent of a decedent. .
Why Mediate Inheritance Disputes
When a loved one passes away or becomes incapacitated, disagreements about wills, trusts, and inheritances can quickly become contentious. Courtroom litigation is sometimes necessary, but it can be time-consuming, expensive, and adversarial. Mediation offers an opportunity for the people involved to work through inheritance issues in a structured, confidential setting, with the goal of finding practical solutions.
What Clients Can Expect from the Mediation Process
Mediation in the trust and probate context is typically a voluntary, confidential process in which the participants work with a neutral to explore settlement options. Inheritance-related issues may involve complex emotions as well as detailed legal questions about trusts, wills, conservatorships, and fiduciary duties. A well-structured mediation process aims to give each participant the opportunity to be heard, clarify priorities, and evaluate potential paths toward resolution.
