"The entire Litigation team provides outstanding legal services."
Client quote, Chambers USA
Overview
The probate attorneys in Calfee’s Probate Litigation group represent fiduciaries, financial institutions, beneficiaries, creditors, and other interested parties in estate, trust, and guardianship controversies.
Complex estate and trust planning have present and future consequences for various constituencies that may generate disputes. Having successfully represented clients in probate courts throughout Ohio, Florida, and other jurisdictions, we have the experience to help resolve disputes and facilitate a satisfying outcome.
Calfee’s probate attorneys also assist clients in estate and trust-related disputes before trial courts, government administrative agencies, and state and federal tax authorities. In conjunction with our probate litigation work, our attorneys provide comprehensive guidance on estate and trust administration as well as asset protection.
Calfee representation begins with an analysis of the context of the dispute as it relates to the various parties and entities involved. Our goal is to achieve a resolution to the advantage of our clients in an efficient manner.
Noteworthy
Chambers USA and Chambers HNW Leading Law Firm Rankings
Since 2005, Calfee has been recognized as a Leading Law Firm for Litigation: General Commercial by Chambers USA, most recently in Band 2 in Ohio (2024) and since 2018 in Private Wealth Law in Band 1 in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024.
Chambers HNW is the only independent directory specifically aimed at the private wealth market that ranks law firms according to their private client disciplines. Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers commented, "We're very pleased with the firm's breadth of expertise and ability to bring together the right people. I think they are a good balance of practical and strategic. Calfee is very responsive; it's an excellent firm. They're savvy, quick to adapt, and put people at ease. The team is exceptionally responsive. The entire team provides outstanding legal services."
Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2025 "Best Law Firms" rankings in the following areas:
- Litigation – Trusts & Estates (Regional Tier 1 Cleveland)
- Tax Law (Regional Tier 1 Cleveland)
- Trusts & Estates Law (Regional Tier 1 Cleveland)
Benchmark Litigation Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion by Benchmark Litigation 2025 as a Highly Recommended Law Firm in Dispute Resolution in Ohio. Additionally, 16 of Calfee's Litigation partners have been ranked by Benchmark Litigation as "Litigation Stars" in the U.S. (National), Midwest, and Ohio and as “40 & Under" and "Future Stars" Honorees.
Professionals
Professionals
Chair, Estate and Succession Planning and Administration
Experience
Experience
- Represented executors for estates ranging in size up to $1 billion in defense of claims brought by beneficiaries and creditors and in connection with various tax controversies.
- Represented closely held business entities with claims brought against estates and trusts.
- Represented institutional trustees in defense of claims alleging breach of fiduciary duties and regarding compliance with charitable trust laws.
- Represented parties to will contest actions.
News & Events
News
Events
