Resolution is on the Horizon
Mediation can often be a lengthy process; but with us, it doesn’t have to be.
When family wealth and legacies are on the line, trust and estate disputes can quickly escalate into financially devastating and emotionally draining courtroom battles. At Tresp Law, APC, we believe there is a better way. Through expert Trust and Estate Mediation, Principal Attorney Elizabeth A. Tresp, JD, LL.M., helps beneficiaries, trustees, and executors resolve complex, high-conflict disputes privately. By choosing mediation, families can find creative, mutually agreeable solutions while bypassing the severe delays and public exposure of the California probate court system.
Our Services
Personal Injury
Personal injury cases are often lengthy and can result in thousands of dollars in court fees. With mediation, your case can be settled quickly without having to step foot in the courtroom.
Trust and Probate
Mediation can be used in trust and probate cases to resolve issues after the loss of a loved one without the hassle of court. Elizabeth is here to help you move forward.
Why Choose Mediation Over Protracted Litigation?
Estate litigation combines complex legal entanglements with deeply personal family dynamics. While Tresp Law is always prepared to aggressively litigate in court, we strongly advocate for mediation whenever possible because of the undeniable advantages it provides to our clients:
Save Tens to Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars: Probate litigation is incredibly expensive. Attorney fees, depositions, and court costs can quickly consume $50,000 to over $200,000, draining the very estate you are fighting over. Mediation typically costs a fraction of this, keeping the family's wealth in the hands of the heirs, not the legal system.
Avoid the Uncertainty of the Court System: When you go to trial, you surrender control of your family’s legacy to a probate judge who does not know your family. Mediation keeps the decision-making power in your hands, allowing for guaranteed outcomes rather than courtroom gambles.
Keep Private Family Matters Confidential: California probate court cases are a matter of public record. Anyone can access your family’s financial details and personal grievances. Mediation takes place behind closed doors, keeping your family's sensitive business strictly confidential.
Achieve Creative, Customized Solutions: Judges are bound by rigid legal remedies. In mediation, we can craft highly customized agreements—such as property swaps, structured payouts, or unique tax strategies—that a court simply cannot order.
Preserve Family Relationships: Litigation is inherently hostile. Mediation fosters a collaborative environment, de-escalating tensions and leaving the door open for familial reconciliation down the road.
ELIZABETH A. TRESP, JD, LL.M.
Not all mediators are created equal. Effective trust and estate mediation requires more than just a calm demeanor; it requires a commanding understanding of probate law, litigation strategy, tax implications, and risk assessment.
Elizabeth A. Tresp, JD, LL.M. brings a remarkably well-rounded and unique background to the mediation table, consistently achieving optimal results for her clients:
A Decade of Insider Insurance Experience: Before practicing law, Elizabeth spent nearly a decade as a Litigation Examiner for one of the top three insurers in America. This gives her an unparalleled, behind-the-curtain perspective on how risk is calculated, how claims are valued, and how institutional settlements are successfully negotiated. She can easily cut through courtroom posturing to help disputing parties see the true financial risks of going to trial.
Mastery of Tax Law: Earning her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation with highest honors from the University of San Diego, Elizabeth structures mediation settlements that are highly tax-efficient. She ensures that a negotiated settlement does not inadvertently trigger massive liabilities with the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board.
Business Acumen & Practical Application: Elizabeth is not just an attorney; she is a seasoned entrepreneur, an angel investor, and the principal owner of two highly successful law firms. This background gives her unique insight into the intricate dynamics of family-owned businesses and complex asset portfolios frequently involved in estate disputes.
Recognized Legal Excellence: Awarded Super Lawyers Rising Star for six consecutive years and recognized as a Woman of Influence in Law, Elizabeth is a highly respected, commanding presence. Her trial-tested perspective allows her to break stalemates, guiding even the most unreasonable parties toward a fair, durable settlement.
What People Are Saying
Attentive, expert
“I was referred to Elizabeth by another attorney, and that was the best referral I have ever received. Elizabeth's attentive, patient staff put me at ease and her expertise was apparent from the moment we spoke. Being in conflict with your own family is very tough, especially right after the death of my mother, but thanks to Elizabeth, cooler heads prevailed.”
— Lisa
Best of the best!
“I retained Ms. Tresp as a replacement for existing attorneys due to some complications with them. I can only say that I wish I had found her earlier!! Being unable to get the prior attorney to "move" it along, among other concerns, Ms. Tresp was a fantastic relief. Her fees are very, very reasonable and appropriate, and to tell the truth, I was happy to pay them because she immediately did what was necessary. My hat is off to her and her entire firm - kudos!”
— Cris
Excellent
“Elizabeth helped me with a very complicated trust issue after other lawyers i talked to shied away. I am grateful for her patience with me and the time she spent with me every time I visited.
As stressful as the whole situation was, Elizabeth was always able to put me at ease.”
— Laura
Office Features
Convenient Location
Quiet Meeting Rooms
Frequently Asked Questions About Trust & Estate Mediation
What happens during a trust and estate mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process guided by a neutral mediator. Elizabeth meets with all parties to understand the core issues. Often, parties are separated into private rooms (caucuses), and she shuttles between them to negotiate terms, de-escalate tensions, and find common ground until a binding settlement is reached.
Do I have to be in the same room as the person I am disputing with?
No. In high-conflict trust and probate disputes, emotions naturally run high. Elizabeth frequently utilizes "caucus" mediation, where each party stays in a separate, private room. She moves back and forth to facilitate the negotiation, ensuring you never have to confront the other party face-to-face.
Is a mediated settlement legally binding?
Yes. Once all parties agree to a resolution during mediation, the terms are drafted into a formal settlement agreement. Once signed, this document becomes a legally binding contract fully enforceable by the courts.
How long does mediation take compared to probate litigation?
California probate courts are heavily backlogged. A litigated trust dispute can take two to three years to reach a trial. Conversely, mediation can often be scheduled within a matter of weeks and is typically resolved in just one or two days of dedicated negotiation.