Representing Beneficiaries & Trustees in Louisiana Trust Disputes
When a trust dispute can’t be resolved between the parties, court involvement becomes necessary. Olsen Law Office handles trust litigation throughout St. Tammany Parish, representing clients in disputes over trust terms, beneficiary rights, and trustee conduct. Lindsey S. Olsen is a lifelong Northshore resident and member of the 22nd JDC Bar Association, so our firm isn’t navigating unfamiliar courts when your case is filed.
Readers reaching this page are typically in one of two situations: a beneficiary who suspects mismanagement or a trustee facing claims of misconduct. Both sides need counsel early. We’re available for consultations in person or by phone.
If you’re facing a trust dispute in St. Tammany Parish, don’t wait to get counsel involved. Call (985) 256-3553 to schedule a consultation with Olsen Law Office.
Who We Represent in Trust Disputes
We represent both beneficiaries and trustees. Beneficiaries may bring claims when a trustee mismanages assets, refuses to provide accountings, delays distributions without legal justification, commingles personal funds with trust assets, or engages in self-dealing. Trustees can face claims even without intentional wrongdoing. Imprudent investment decisions or a failure to communicate with beneficiaries can constitute a breach under Louisiana’s prudent person standard.
Both sides benefit from legal representation before litigation begins, as demand letters and formal accounting requests sometimes resolve disputes without a court filing. Lindsey’s practice spans estate planning and successions alongside trust disputes, which matters because these cases rarely exist in isolation. A trust dispute often touches a broader succession or family estate matter, and working with a firm that handles both can reduce the cost and complexity of running parallel proceedings.
Types of Trust Litigation We Handle
Trust disputes take different forms. The Louisiana Trust Code, found in Title 9 of the Revised Statutes (Sections 9:1721 through 9:2252), governs all of these proceedings and provides specific remedies depending on the claim.
Common matters we handle include:
Breach of fiduciary duty: A trustee in Louisiana owes beneficiaries one of the highest legal duties recognized under law, requiring loyalty, impartiality, prudent investment, accurate recordkeeping, and adherence to trust terms. Violations may result in surcharge, restitution, or removal.
Trustee removal: The Louisiana Trust Code provides for judicial removal of a trustee who breaches trust or fails to act impartially. A court may also appoint a successor trustee.
Contested accountings: Beneficiaries have a statutory right to receive regular accountings and inspect trust records. A trustee who fails to comply after a written demand may have violated a specific obligation under the Code.
Trust interpretation disputes: Courts can be petitioned to clarify ambiguous trust terms or resolve conflicts among beneficiaries about how assets should be distributed.
Trust validity challenges: A trust may be challenged on grounds of undue influence, fraud, lack of capacity, or errors in the trust instrument.
Trust modification and termination: Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2026, a court may order modification or termination of a trust if its continued operation unchanged would defeat or substantially impair the purposes of the trust.
Louisiana Trust Law & the 22nd JDC
Louisiana follows a civil law tradition rather than common law, and its Trust Code operates independently of the Uniform Trust Code adopted in most other states. That distinction matters. An attorney familiar with general trust principles but not Louisiana’s specific statutes may miss procedural obligations or available remedies that can affect a case.
Prescriptive Periods & Where Cases Are Filed
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2234, a beneficiary’s action against a trustee must generally be brought within two years of the date the trustee renders an accounting for the period in which the alleged breach occurred, with an outer limit of three years. That timeline doesn’t mean delay is harmless. Trust disputes in St. Tammany Parish are typically filed in the district court of the parish where the trustee is domiciled, where the settlor is domiciled, or where the principal trust property is located. That’s the 22nd Judicial District Court, and it’s where Lindsey practices.
Dispute Resolution Before Court Filing
Lindsey holds an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from the University of Missouri School of Law, a credential directly applicable to trust matters that often benefit from negotiated resolution before a court filing becomes necessary. Many disputes are resolved through demand letters, formal accounting requests, or mediation, and we pursue those paths when they serve the client’s interests.
A St. Tammany Parish Firm Built for These Cases
Trust disputes within families are rarely just legal problems. The emotional weight is real, and clear communication from your attorney matters as much as legal strategy. Clients have described Lindsey as patient, empathetic, detail-oriented, and readily available when they have questions.
Our firm provides personalized attention on every case, with same-day, evening, and weekend appointments available on request. Lindsey is also a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting formal vetting and demonstrated proficiency within the state bar’s certification program. The firm’s reach across family law, estate planning, and successions means that when a trust dispute intersects with a related legal matter, clients don’t need to assemble a separate legal team.
Schedule a Consultation with a Trust Litigation Lawyer in St. Tammany Parish
Whether you’re a beneficiary concerned about how a trust is being administered or a trustee responding to claims against you, early legal involvement can give you the clearest picture of your options. We handle trust litigation for clients throughout St. Tammany Parish and Mandeville, and we can meet in person or by phone.
Lindsey is a lifelong resident of the Northshore, having graduated from Fontainebleau High School. She then went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University, and her Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. During her time spent at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, she was a student practitioner in the Family Law Section of the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice.
Lindsey has such a calm and empathetic demeanor. She offered so much emotional support for my family and I while remaining focused on our best interest at all times, she explains everything in detail, and is readily available to answer any of my questions. Lindsey is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and to the point. I am so grateful for her services.
Amanda
“Proved to be reliable, trustworthy and honest.”
When my father passed away. We reached out to Lindsey Olsen to do his succession. It was a very difficult time for my mother, brother, and I. She was incredibly patient and professional. All our questions were answered and the process was as smooth as possible. She proved to be reliable, trustworthy and honest. We will definitely use her services again.
Cheraine
“She is very organized and efficient and clearly explained the final steps of the process.”
Lindsey Olsen provided an excellent service and put her vast knowledge of family and estate planning on full display. She is a true professional and made all of the concerning legal matters regarding our wills and continuing tutorship for our special needs son a walk in the park. She is very organized and efficient and clearly explained the final steps of the process. We enjoyed working with Lindsey and certainly recommend her to other prospective clients.
