Sit back and grab a coffee. Sip while we give you information that you should know if you or a family member live in Washington D.C. When a parent passes away or a loved one can no longer handle their own affairs, someone has to step in and manage the money, the home, and the paperwork. In most families, that person does the job honestly. But sometimes trust breaks down. Questions go unanswered, bank balances shrink, and one relative seems to be getting more than their fair share. When that happens, fiduciary litigation may be the path to setting things right.

Contract Disputes, Georgetown, DC At the Law Firm of Brian Gormley LLC, in Bethesda, Maryland we help D.C families understand their rights when the person in charge of an estate or trust does not live up to their responsibilities. Here is what D.C. residents should know.

What Is Fiduciary Litigation?

Probate attorney Washington DC Many don't know this but, a fiduciary is a person legally needed to put someone else’s interests ahead of their own. In the District, common fiduciaries include:

  • Personal representatives handling a probate estate
  • Trustees managing a trust
  • Agents acting under a power of attorney
  • Guardians and conservators appointed by the court

Fiduciary litigation is the process of holding these people accountable when they fail in their duties or defending them when they are accused unfairly. In the District, many of these matters are handled by the Probate Division of the D.C. Superior Court.

Why D.C. Residents Should Pay Attention

Whether you own a rowhouse on Capitol Hill, a condo near Navy Yard, or a family home in Georgetown, Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase DC, Shaw or Brookland, real estate in the District is valuable. Add retirement accounts, investments, and family businesses, and even a modest estate can be worth a great deal.

It is good to remember that Washington is also a city of transplants. Many families have siblings in Maryland, Virginia, or across the country. When the person managing an estate lives in one place and the beneficiaries live somewhere else, it becomes much harder to keep an eye on what is happening.

Warning Signs to Watch For

  • No accounting or updates, even after you ask
  • Money moving out of accounts with no explanation
  • A family home sold quickly, cheaply, or to an insider
  • The fiduciary living in, renting out, or using property for personal benefit
  • Long delays in distributing assets
  • A will, trust, or power of attorney changed shortly before someone passed
  • A new caregiver or friend gaining sudden control over an elderly person’s finances

Common Claims in Fiduciary Disputes

  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Self-dealing and conflicts of interest
  • Failure to keep or provide records
  • Undue influence or lack of mental capacity
  • Removal of a personal representative or trustee
  • Recovery of misused or stolen assets

When to Call an Attorney

Earlier is almost always better. District law sets deadlines for contesting a will, filing claims, and objecting to accountings, and some of those deadlines come up quickly. Waiting too long can cost you the right to act at all.

It may be time to speak with a lawyer if:

  • You believe a fiduciary is keeping you in the dark or misusing funds
  • You are serving as a fiduciary, and someone has threatened legal action
  • You think a loved one was pressured into changing their estate plan
  • You simply want to know where you stand before things escalate

Talking to an attorney does not mean you are filing a lawsuit tomorrow. Many disputes are settled through a firm letter, negotiation, or mediation. Getting advice early gives you the most options.

How We Can Help

The Law Firm of Brian Gormley LLC works with beneficiaries, heirs, and fiduciaries who need clear guidance and steady advocacy. We listen, explain your choices in plain language, and fight for a result that protects you and your family.

If something about a family member's estate or trust does not feel right, do not ignore it. Visit our website to schedule a consultation.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney client relationship.