The Dynamics of Intra-Family Trust and Estate Litigation

Vatche Zetjian is a Partner at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP and a certified specialist in estate planning, probate, and trust law by the State Bar of California. His practice centers on sophisticated trusts and estates litigation, including breach of fiduciary duty claims, surcharge and trustee removal actions, will and trust contests, creditor’s claims, conservatorship and guardianship matters, and elder abuse disputes. He represents a broad spectrum of clients—fiduciaries, individuals, and charitable organizations—navigating high-stakes and often emotionally charged matters with precision and clarity.

In addition to litigation, Vatche’s practice includes trust and probate administration, where he advises trustees, handles the probating of estates, and resolves disputes among fiduciaries and beneficiaries. He also has experience in general civil litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in breach of contract and fraud actions. While attending Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, Vatche distinguished himself academically, earning placement on the Dean’s Honors List and receiving the American Jurisprudence Award in Torts.