In this episode of Lawyers Who Care, host Andrew Samalin speaks with Matthew Stein, partner and owner of Law Stein Anderson in Irvine, California. Matthew represents clients in probate and trust litigation, including will and trust contests, breaches of fiduciary duty, trustee wrongdoing, and elder abuse claims.

Matthew shares how personal experiences watching his grandmother lose capacity shaped his passion for protecting vulnerable individuals and their legacies. He explains the complex intersection of family dynamics, grief, money, and power that often drives trust disputes. While he is an experienced trial attorney, Matthew emphasizes that the best outcomes often happen before entering the courtroom—through transparency, communication, and proactive family planning.

He also offers practical advice for families seeking to avoid litigation, including the importance of family meetings and the consideration of professional fiduciaries rather than appointing children as successor trustees.

Topics covered:

• Probate and trust litigation in California
• Protecting elders from undue influence and fiduciary misconduct
• The psychology behind family inheritance disputes
• Why courtroom trials are often a last resort
• How transparency and professional trustees can prevent lawsuits

Connect with Matthew Stein:

Website: lsalawyers.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (949) 501-4800