When The Stakes Are High, Focused Experience Matters
Established in 1998, Van Dyke Trust & Estates Law, APLC is a San Diego–based boutique law firm devoted exclusively to trust, probate, and estate litigation. We represent beneficiaries, trustees, and families in contested matters involving undue influence, fiduciary misconduct, conservatorships, and complex estate disputes.
Our work is focused, deliberate, and evidence-driven. We guide clients through high-conflict disputes with strategic clarity, discretion, and disciplined advocacy—when legacy, family, and intent are under scrutiny.
Fighting to Protect
Your Inheritance Rights™
Core Advantages:
Litigation-Only Trust & Probate Practice
Our practice is devoted exclusively to trust, probate, and estate litigation.
Focused Estate Litigation Team
A team built for complex, contested trust and estate disputes.
Focused Estate Litigation Team
A team built for complex, contested trust and estate disputes.
Strategic, Evidence-Driven Advocacy
Careful fact development, forensic review, and disciplined courtroom strategy.
High-Conflict Dispute Capability
Depth of experience handling contentious trust and probate matters.
High-Conflict Dispute Capability
Depth of experience handling contentious trust and probate matters.
Client-Focused Legal Judgment
Clear counsel to support decisive, informed strategy in estate litigation.
Richard S. Van Dyke, Esq.
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Led by Experience.
Supported by a focused team.
Van Dyke Trust & Estates Law, APLC is led by Richard “Scott” Van Dyke, whose decades of practice in trust, probate, and estate litigation shape the firm’s approach to complex disputes. The firm emphasizes preparation, credibility, and a strategy grounded in the facts and the client’s objectives.
Supporting Scott is a carefully assembled team of attorneys and seasoned legal professionals with concentrated experience in probate and fiduciary litigation—allowing the firm to approach contested matters with clarity, focus, and resolve.
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TRUSTS & ESTATES LITIGATION
Significant wealth often brings significant conflict.
When a trust or estate is contested, the issues are rarely simple — and the consequences can be lasting. Disputes may involve interpretation of testamentary documents, fiduciary conduct, creditor claims, asset distribution, or allegations of undue influence.
Van Dyke Trust & Estates Law, APLC, represents beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and other interested parties in complex trust and estate litigation throughout California. The firm provides strategic counsel in negotiations, mediations, and trial proceedings, with a clear understanding of both the legal and personal dynamics involved.
If you believe your interests in a trust or estate require careful legal evaluation, we invite you to consult with experienced counsel before making decisions that could affect your rights.
Exclusive Focus—Significant Advantage
Our practice is limited to complex, contested trust and estate litigation. Probate disputes, will contests, trust administration conflicts, and fiduciary challenges are not a subset of our work—they are the entirety of it.
We do not provide estate planning or transactional services. This deliberate focus allows our attorneys to approach each matter with the depth, rigor, and strategic judgment these disputes demand, including representation in both trial and appellate courts when appropriate.
Speak with experienced trust and probate litigation counsel before critical decisions are made.
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PROBATE APPELLATE LAW
Trial court rulings are not always the final word.
Appellate advocacy demands a different discipline — one grounded in legal analysis, precision writing, and a deep understanding of procedural law. Appeals require careful review of the record, identification of legal error, and persuasive presentation before the reviewing court.
Van Dyke Trust & Estates Law, APLC, represents clients throughout California in probate and trust appeals, both challenging adverse rulings and defending favorable outcomes. Drawing on decades of litigation and appellate experience, the firm approaches each appeal with disciplined research and meticulous briefing.
When complex legal issues require review at the appellate level, informed counsel can make a meaningful difference.
Exclusive Focus—Significant Advantage
Our practice is limited to complex, contested trust and estate litigation. Probate disputes, will contests, trust administration conflicts, and fiduciary challenges are not a subset of our work—they are the entirety of it.
We do not provide estate planning or transactional services. This deliberate focus allows our attorneys to approach each matter with the depth, rigor, and strategic judgment these disputes demand, including representation in both trial and appellate courts when appropriate.
Speak with experienced trust and probate litigation counsel before critical decisions are made.
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CONTESTED CONSERVATORSHIPS
Conservatorship proceedings involve deeply personal decisions.
When questions arise regarding the care or financial management of an elderly parent or disabled adult, emotions often run high. Courts must balance autonomy, protection, and fiduciary responsibility — and disputes may emerge among family members or other interested parties.
Van Dyke Trust & Estates Law, APLC, provides representation in contested conservatorship matters, including petitions for appointment, challenges to proposed conservators, and disputes regarding fiduciary conduct. The firm also advises clients on available options under California conservatorship law.
These matters require careful legal guidance and thoughtful advocacy. Our role is to help clients navigate the process with clarity and professionalism.
Exclusive Focus—Significant Advantage
Our practice is limited to complex, contested trust and estate litigation. Probate disputes, will contests, trust administration conflicts, and fiduciary challenges are not a subset of our work—they are the entirety of it.
We do not provide estate planning or transactional services. This deliberate focus allows our attorneys to approach each matter with the depth, rigor, and strategic judgment these disputes demand, including representation in both trial and appellate courts when appropriate.
Speak with experienced trust and probate litigation counsel before critical decisions are made.
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FINANCIAL ELDER ABUSE
Financial exploitation of seniors presents complex legal and factual issues.
California law provides civil remedies for financial elder abuse, but pursuing those remedies requires careful statutory analysis and strategic litigation planning. Allegations may involve misuse of authority, undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, or fraudulent transfers — and defendants can range from individuals to institutions.
Van Dyke Trust & Estates Law, APLC, represents clients in financial elder abuse litigation throughout California. The firm understands how elder abuse statutes intersect with probate law, trust litigation, fiduciary principles, and related claims. When concerns arise regarding the protection of an elder’s assets, early legal evaluation can be critical.
Exclusive Focus—Significant Advantage
Our practice is limited to complex, contested trust and estate litigation. Probate disputes, will contests, trust administration conflicts, and fiduciary challenges are not a subset of our work—they are the entirety of it.
We do not provide estate planning or transactional services. This deliberate focus allows our attorneys to approach each matter with the depth, rigor, and strategic judgment these disputes demand, including representation in both trial and appellate courts when appropriate.
Speak with experienced trust and probate litigation counsel before critical decisions are made.
What Clients and Peers Have to Say About Working With Us
5.0/5.0
“San Diego’s top probate and trust litigator. Highly recommend.”
- ATTORNEY
5.0/5.0
“First class attorney. Excellent, thorough work product and exceptional knowledge of probate and trust law.”
- ATTORNEY
5.0/5.0
“Highly qualified, extremely professional, and very competent firm.”
- ATTORNEY