Estate Disputes
Estate Administration Disputes in North Carolina
Resolving conflicts over estate administration, executor misconduct, and beneficiary rights
When families fracture over an estate, you need a firm that knows how to fight - and win.
Few legal conflicts are more painful than disputes after a loved one's death. Grief gives way to shock, suspicion, and betrayal when assets disappear, promises are broken, or someone takes control behind closed doors.
That's when you need a firm that doesn't flinch.
Our focus is clear: we litigate estate disputes, fiduciary misconduct, and inheritance conflicts across North Carolina. Led by Kirk Sanders, an experienced estate litigation attorney, we represent heirs, beneficiaries, executors, and family members seeking to uncover wrongdoing, stop abuse of authority, and recover what rightfully belongs to them - even if that means going to trial.
Understanding Estate Litigation
What Is Estate Litigation?
Estate litigation involves legal disputes over the administration, control, or distribution of a deceased person's assets. These cases arise when:
- A will doesn't reflect the deceased's true intent
- Assets are missing, transferred, or concealed
- An executor or trustee refuses to provide transparency
- Family members suspect undue influence, manipulation, or fraud
- A Power of Attorney agent abused their authority and siphoned or re-directed assets before death
Many of these cases begin quietly - and end with devastating financial loss unless challenged.
Our Practice Areas
Common Types of Estate Disputes We Litigate
Will Contests
- Lack of testamentary capacity
- Undue influence or coercion
- Forged or improperly executed wills
Executor & Trustee Misconduct
- Refusal to provide accountings
- Withholding information from beneficiaries
- Mismanagement or theft of estate funds
- Refusal to follow the terms of the will or trust
Fiduciary Abuse After Death
- Discovery that a POA agent drained accounts or transferred property before death
- Secret changes to deeds, titles, or beneficiary designations
- Assets sold or gifted away without explanation
Beneficiary & Heir Disputes
- Unequal or unexplained distributions
- Interpretation of vague or manipulated will provisions
- Exclusion of rightful heirs
Claims Against the Estate
- Defending improper creditor claims
- Litigating family provision and inheritance disputes
Red Flags
Warning Signs of Estate Fraud or Misconduct
You may have a case if you notice:
Self Assessment
Questions to Ask Yourself
If you're answering yes, it's time to get experienced legal help.
Your Legal Options
Legal Grounds for Challenging Estate Misconduct
These cases commonly involve:
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
The executor or trustee acted in their own interest.
Undue Influence
The deceased was pressured or manipulated.
Lack of Capacity
The person lacked mental ability to execute estate documents.
Conversion or Embezzlement
Estate funds were stolen or misused.
Fraud or Forgery
Documents were falsified or altered.
Estate Misadministration
Assets were mishandled, concealed, or transferred improperly.
Each requires aggressive investigation, forensic accounting, subpoenas, and trial-ready litigation - and that's exactly what we do.
Our Track Record
Why Clients and Attorneys Choose Us
We've spent decades litigating complex estate disputes - and winning.
Attorney Kirk Sanders has successfully:
- Recovered stolen estate assets across North Carolina
- Uncovered and reversed fraudulent property transfers
- Secured court orders forcing fiduciaries to repay misused funds
- Proven undue influence in cases involving vulnerable individuals
- Protected heirs from abuse disguised as "authority"
Other attorneys, guardians, and estate administrators routinely refer their toughest fiduciary and inheritance cases to our firm because they trust our courtroom experience and results. We honor referral and co-counsel agreements under North Carolina Bar rules.
Take Action Now
Your Case. Your Rights. Your Fight.
If you believe an estate has been mismanaged, manipulated, or stolen - don't wait. Evidence disappears. Money moves. Deadlines pass.
We investigate. We litigate. And when necessary - we take cases to trial.