Double Down | California Estate & Trust Litigation

I’m Mike Hackard with Hackard Law. Hackard Law litigates California estate and trust cases.

We’ve doubled down on how we litigate these cases – we’ve strengthened our commitment. In blackjack, “double down” means doubling a bet after seeing one’s initial cards. You’ve upped the ante and an additional card must be drawn.

We often take estate and trust litigation cases on a contingency fee. It too has risks and rewards.

We determine the initial set of facts. Facts include the parties, the assets, the activities that led to litigation, and the law. We consider whether we would accept the case on a contingency basis.

In contingency cases we lawyers don’t get paid unless we resolve, settle, or win the case. We generally get paid a percentage of the recovery.

Contingency fee agreements must be in writing. Costs and responsibility for their payment must be explained. Contingency fees are negotiable between the attorney and the client.

Not all lawyers want or accept contingency fee cases in estate and trust litigation. We like the right kind of case. Just as in blackjack, it is critical to read the opening cards – or facts.

Some cases aren’t workable. Time bars, standing issues, and minimal facts are the equivalent of a bad opening hand.

That said, our experience has broadened our perspective. A case might be hard. That doesn’t mean that it’s not viable.

But we can’t take every viable case. Because of time and capacity constraints, we continually apply our best judgment and experience to determine what cases we take.

If you’d like to talk with us about your estate or trust litigation case, call us at Hackard Law: 916 313-3030. We’ll be happy to speak with you.

Hackard Law: Attorneys Making a Difference.