Litigation Highlights & Victories

Real Results. Trusted Reputation

Every client is unique, but in the world of trust and estate litigation, familiar patterns often emerge—family disputes, undue influence, drafting errors, and conflicting interpretations of a loved one’s wishes. At The Pacella Law Group, we’ve successfully resolved countless cases involving these complex, high-stakes matters.

Below is a sampling of representative outcomes that demonstrate our strategic approach, courtroom strength, and unwavering commitment to protecting our clients’ interests.

In Re The Janis Trust (Trust Administration)
Provided multi-year representation of trustees administering an ultra-high-net-worth estate, including the distribution of over 500 pieces of art valued at more than $100 million to museums and universities. Defended against potential family disputes and successfully resolved an IRS estate tax return audit.
(Private administration – no public case number listed)
In Re Donna J. Essert
Obtained an Elder Abuse Restraining Order against an abusive adult son, including immediate move-out and stay-away provisions to protect the elderly mother.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 18CHR000821
Estate of Nahal Nadim
Settled a dispute on behalf of an elderly adult with disabilities, resulting in the recovery and sale of real property wrongfully taken due to lack of capacity.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 20STPB07241
The Walton Trust
Secured a multi-million-dollar recovery for a trust beneficiary by setting aside an agreement that had waived inheritance rights in exchange for a lifetime income stream. Settlement was reached pre-litigation through strong legal argument and documentation.
(Private resolution – no case number)
In Re Estate of Quint
Recovered economic value of real property for a disinherited sibling whose family home was wrongfully taken by another child.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 16STPB01465
In Re Estate of Lloyd Conway
Trial verdict in favor of the estate administrator in a joint defense regarding the transfer of multi-million-dollar property through an unrecorded grant deed between brothers, originally executed 30 years earlier.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. P713093
In Re The Patricia Goodwin Trust
Successfully resolved multi-year litigation after replacing prior counsel, securing real property for beneficiaries and removing estate representatives. Defeated claims of undue influence, double damages, and attorney’s fees.
San Mateo Sup. Ct. Case No. PRO126458
In Re The Estate of Zanders
Won summary adjudication upholding a lifetime transfer of the decedent’s residence to our client, defeating claims of undue influence.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 20STPB00206
In Re The Florencio Lopez Trust
Achieved a favorable settlement invalidating a specific gift in the trust obtained through undue influence, along with a favorable arbitration decision on additional disputed matters.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 22STPB08952

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