A Conversation With Ted Cook

Hello, and welcome everyone. Today I’m sitting down with Ted Cook, a trust litigation attorney right here in sunny San Diego. Ted, thanks for taking the time to chat with me.

What Brought You to the World of Trust Litigation?

Ted: Well, it’s a fascinating field, really. People put so much hope and expectation into these trusts, hoping to provide for their loved ones or carry out a specific vision. But sometimes things don’t go as planned. Maybe there’s a disagreement about how the trust should be administered, or accusations of wrongdoing fly around. That’s where I come in.

I find it incredibly rewarding to help people navigate these complex situations and find solutions that honor the intentions of the person who created the trust in the first place.

Let’s Talk About Discovery – A Crucial Stage in Trust Litigation

Ted: Absolutely. Discovery is like peeling back the layers of an onion. It’s a process where each side gathers information from the other to build their case. Think interrogatories – written questions demanding answers – document requests for all sorts of financial records and communications, and depositions where we get to question witnesses under oath.

There are always challenges in discovery. Sometimes people try to withhold information or be evasive. That’s when we have to get creative and use legal tools to compel them to produce what they’re obligated to share.

  • We might need to subpoena records from third parties like banks or financial institutions.
  • Or, if a witness is being particularly uncooperative, we could file a motion with the court asking for sanctions.
>“I was so lost when my family started fighting over my grandfather’s trust. Ted Cook stepped in and explained everything clearly. He made me feel like I had someone on my side who truly understood.” – Sarah M., La Jolla

Remember that time with the elusive art collection?

It took weeks of digging, but we finally uncovered evidence that a trustee had been secretly selling off valuable artwork from the trust to fund their own lifestyle. It was a real “aha!” moment.

More Praise for Ted Cook

>“Ted is a straight shooter. He tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. He fought hard for me in court and got me a result that I was happy with.” – Mark D., Point Loma

What would you say to someone who’s considering hiring a trust litigation attorney?

Ted: Trust litigation can be complicated and emotionally charged. It’s crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side who understands the nuances of this area of law. I always encourage people to do their research, schedule consultations with different attorneys, and choose someone they feel comfortable with and confident in.

>“Ted Cook and his team at Point Loma Estate Planning APC are the best! They handled my case with professionalism and compassion. I highly recommend them.” – Susan K., Mission Beach

If you’re facing a trust dispute, don’t hesitate to reach out. My door is always open.


Who Is Ted Cook at Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.:

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

2305 Historic Decatur Rd Suite 100, San Diego CA. 92106

(619) 550-7437

Map To Point Loma Estate Planning, APC. A Trust Litigation Attorney: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JiHkjNg9VFGA44tf9




About Point Loma Estate Planning:



Secure Your Legacy, Safeguard Your Loved Ones. Point Loma Estate Planning, APC.

Feeling overwhelmed by estate planning? You’re not alone. With 27 years of proven experience – crafting over 25,000 personalized plans and trusts – we transform complexity into clarity.

Our Areas of Focus:

Legacy Protection: (minimizing taxes, maximizing asset preservation).

Crafting Living Trusts: (administration and litigation).

Elder Care & Tax Strategy: Avoid family discord and costly errors.

Discover peace of mind with our compassionate guidance.

Claim your exclusive 30-minute consultation today!


If you have any questions about:
Can a trust be amended or revoked after the grantor’s death?
Please Call or visit the address above. Thank you.

Point Loma Estate Planning, APC. area of focus:

Trust administration: is the process of managing and distributing the assets held within a trust, following the instructions outlined in the trust document, by a trustee who has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

What it is: Trust administration involves the trustee taking control of the trust assets, managing them, and ultimately distributing them according to the terms of the trust agreement.

Purpose of Trust Administration:

Estate Planning: Trust administration is often part of a larger estate plan, helping to ensure that assets are managed and distributed according to the settlor’s wishes.

Avoiding Probate: Trusts can help avoid the public and often lengthy probate process, which can be a more efficient way to transfer assets.

Protecting Beneficiaries: Trust administration helps ensure that beneficiaries receive the assets they are entitled to, in a timely and efficient manner.

When Trust Administration Begins: Trust administration typically begins after the death or incapacity of the settlor, triggering the trust’s provisions and requiring the trustee to take action.

In More Detail – What Is Trust Administration?

Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing the assets held within a trust in accordance with the terms set by the trust document and applicable state law. A trust is established when a person (the settlor or grantor) transfers assets to a third party (the trustee), who holds and manages them for the benefit of one or more individuals or entities (the beneficiaries).

Trusts can be created during the settlor’s lifetime (inter vivos or living trusts) or upon their death (testamentary trusts, typically established through a will). When the settlor of a trust dies, the trustee becomes responsible for administering the trust. This may involve marshaling and valuing trust assets, paying debts and taxes, maintaining records, and eventually distributing the trust property to the named beneficiaries. Trustees often work with a trust administration attorney to ensure the process is handled properly and in compliance with legal obligations.

You may become a trustee or beneficiary of a trust after the death of a loved one. For instance, a parent might set up a trust to provide for a minor child, designating a trustee to manage and distribute funds for the child’s benefit until they reach a specified age or milestone.

Trusts can hold a wide range of assets, including real estate, financial accounts, retirement accounts (like IRAs), investments, and personal property. In most cases, the trust administration process begins shortly after the trustee receives the settlor’s death certificate and reviews the trust instrument.

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