Nashville Breach of Fiduciary Duty Attorney

Nashville Breach of Fiduciary Duty Attorneys

When someone is selecting a person or entity to become an executor, trustee, representative, or other position for his/her estate, it is that party’s legal responsibility to fulfill the individual’s wishes. But when that party mishandles its duty as a trustee or executor in probate matters, family members or other beneficiaries likely have a breach of fiduciary duty claim and may take legal action to hold the fiduciary responsible.

The estate lawyers at MHPS Law can assist beneficiaries pursuing breach of fiduciary duty actions against a trustee or executor. If that party failed to act honestly and appropriately, legal action may be necessary to replace them and recoup damages caused to those that these actions caused harm.

Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship Form

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What is Breach of Fiduciary Duty?

The person or entity in a position of responsibility for a trust or estate has a legal responsibility to act in the best interest of the other party. As the fiduciary of the estate, will, or trust, the party has certain legal duties they must meet. But when that party acts contrary to that duty, it’s considered a breach of fiduciary duty. For example, if someone is appointed by the court to become the Guardian of the Estate for minor children but mishandles the children’s finances, this is considered a breach of duty.

Other examples include:

The fiduciary acting in his or her self-interest, while disregarding the beneficiaries’ interests.
Fraudulently misappropriating money or assets from the trust or estate.
Failing to take action or respond to beneficiaries’ requests.
Failing to comply with laws and regulations regarding the administration of the trust or estate.

The Elements of a Claim

Beneficiaries who suspect a trustee or executor breached his/her duty may take legal action to remove that party. In Tennessee, you will need to file a petition with probate court alleging grounds for removal. To have a successful breach of fiduciary duty claim, the following conditions need to be met:

Existence – You will need to show the other party had not only a relationship with you but a duty to you. Depending on the facts of the case, the duty could be anything from a duty of good faith, a duty of full disclosure, or a duty of fair dealing.
Breach – Once the duty has been established, you will need to show that the defendant breached this duty. For example, a trustee had misappropriated the funds of the trust. Other examples include misrepresentation, misuse of the position, neglect of responsibilities, and failure to disclose information.
Damages – When the breach of duty has been proven, you will then need to show how that breach caused you to suffer damages. If you are unable to show that you had suffered damages, you may not have a successful claim against the fiduciary.

It’s important to have the right estate attorney by your side if you wish to pursue a breach of fiduciary duty claim. A lawyer can review your claim and give you the best legal advice possible.

Meeting with fiduciary attorney

Our Nashville Breach of Fiduciary Duty Lawyers are Ready to Fight

If you believe that an executor or trustee in Nashville has breached his/her fiduciary duty, the probate litigation attorneys at MHPS Law can guide you in pursuing legal action. Our firm is dedicated to making sure those put in a position of trust act accordingly and follow the best interests of those relying on them.

If you need legal guidance with any trust or estate issue, now is the time to act. Contact a Nashville breach of fiduciary duty attorney at MHPS Law today or call us at 615-800-7096 to set up an appointment.