Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Schuyler V.V. Hoffman
Shareholder
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Business Consulting
Probate Attorneys
When Probate Disputes Threaten What Matters Most
Probate often comes at the worst possible time—when you’re grieving, negotiating complex family dynamics, and facing legal and financial obligations all at once. Disputes over wills or assets can strain relationships and drag the process out for months or even years.
Hoffman & Forde’s probate attorneys provide the clarity and strategy you need to ensure debts are settled, assets are distributed properly, and conflicts are resolved before they escalate.
Understanding the Probate Process
Probate is the court process for validating a will, valuing an estate, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. If there is no will, the same process applies under state law.
While probate can help settle disputes, it more often brings stress, added costs, and long delays. This is why families turn to Hoffman & Forde.
We keep your case moving forward and reduce unnecessary conflict in disputes such as:
Will contests and questions of validity
Allegations of undue influence or lack of capacity
Executor misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty
Creditor claims against the estate
Conflicts among heirs or beneficiaries
Our probate attorneys combine legal skill with practical judgment to resolve disputes efficiently and protect your family’s interests. We work to reduce conflict, preserve relationships where possible, and move cases toward resolutions that allow you to focus on what matters most.
Why Families Trust Hoffman & Forde
Probate disputes demand more than legal expertise—they require empathy, clear communication, and sound judgment in moments of conflict. Our attorneys combine practical strategy with experience to protect your assets and relationships. With a background in estate planning, litigation, and real estate, we provide the perspective needed to resolve probate matters efficiently and with lasting results.
The Team Behind the Results
Our attorneys are trusted with complex matters because they bring more than credentials—they bring results.
This is a team built for clients who expect insight, action, and accountability at every turn.
Daniel R. Forde
Daniel R. Forde
Shareholder
Civil Litigation, Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More
Angela Elpers Barnes
Angela Elpers Barnes
Managing Attorney
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Amanda Allen
Amanda Allen
Senior Associate
Business, Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Dalia Astalos
Dalia Astalos
Associate
Landlord-Tenant Law, Commercial Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Trust & Estates Litigation, …See More
Alison Barry
Alison Barry
Senior Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Victoria Boynton
Victoria Boynton
Senior Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Transactional and Litigation, Business Advisement
Jim Buche
Jim Buche
Of-Counsel
Residential Real Estate, Civil Litigation
Michael Dicks
Michael Dicks
Senior Trial Attorney
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Personal Injury
Christina Elhaddad
Christina Elhaddad
Senior Associate
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Immigration Law
Alanna Haefner
Alanna Haefner
Senior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Tax Advisory
Mia Kelly
Mia Kelly
Senior Counsel
Real Estate Litigation, General Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Employment Law, …See More
Nicholas Kritikos
Nicholas Kritikos
Of-Counsel
Civil Litigation, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Business Consulting, …See More
Matt LeFevre
Matt LeFevre
Junior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, Boundary Disputes, Business Consulting
Ian McKinley
Ian McKinley
Senior Associate Attorney
Eminent Domain/Inverse Condemnation, Business Torts, Boundary Disputes, Shareholder & Member Derivative Litigation, …See More
Joshua Morrison
Joshua Morrison
Junior Associate
Adam Reifman
Adam Reifman
Senior Associate
Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law — Entity Formation & Planning, Easement & Land Use, …See More
William H. Sauls
William H. Sauls
Of-Counsel
Estate Planning, Tax Advisory, Business Consulting
Stefan Seper
Stefan Seper
Attorney
Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant Law , Commercial Real Estate, Habitability Issues, …See More
Shelly Ann Stewart
Shelly Ann Stewart
Junior Associate
Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation
Michael Stuart
Michael Stuart
Of-Counsel
Criminal Defense, Restraining Orders, Civil Litigation, Administrative Law
Vincent Russo
Vincent Russo
Senior Counsel
Trust & Probate Litigation, Business Law, Real Estate Law
Our Paralegals
Our dedicated paralegals are the behind-the-scenes experts who ensure our firm runs smoothly. They play a critical role in our client-focused approach, enabling our attorneys to deliver the highest quality service with precision and care.
What Our
Clients Say
Our Philosophy
Positive outcomes start with clear communication, practical solutions, and follow-through. That’s our philosophy—and what we deliver to every client who entrusts us with protecting what matters most.
Proudly Serving San Diego &
the North Coast
From Bankers Hill to La Jolla, Hoffman & Forde represents clients across Southern California with clear counsel, strategic insight, and results that hold up under pressure.