Thomas Cushing Aikin
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**Thomas Cushing Aikin** **Associate Attorney, Probate and Trust Administration** **Freeman Freeman & Smiley, LLP** **Los Angeles, CA** Thomas Cushing Aikin is a dedicated associate in the Probate and Trust Administration department at Freeman Freeman & Smiley, LLP, located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. With a strong focus on estate planning and probate law, Mr. Aikin expertly represents both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in various administrative and contested matters. His practice uniquely emphasizes the representation of charities, universities, and non-profit organizations, ensuring their interests are effectively safeguarded in complex legal scenarios. A seasoned litigator, Mr. Aikin has successfully navigated numerous cases through trial and subsequent appeals, achieving significant victories including a groundbreaking petition to have an adverse appellate result reviewed by the California Supreme Court. This case, *Estate of Giraldin* (2012) 55 1058, established pivotal precedent regarding beneficiary rights in California law. Mr. Aikin’s extensive expertise encompasses trust and estate litigation, where he skillfully handles challenges related to lack of capacity and undue influence, as well as accountings and the interpretation of estate planning instruments. Notably, he thwarted an attempt to classify a document as an amendment to a trust, which would have unjustly eliminated several charitable organizations from being beneficiaries of a substantial estate. In addition to his litigation prowess, Mr. Aikin is well-versed in all phases of probate and trust administration, including inventories, accountings, closures, and the judicial interpretation and modification of trusts. His comprehensive experience also covers civil litigation, with a robust background in jury trials and arbitration. Recognized for his exceptional legal acumen, Mr. Aikin was honored as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2014, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under age 40 in Southern California. His commitment to excellence and client service makes him a trusted advocate in the realm of estate planning and probate law.
About Probate Law
Probate attorneys guide families through the estate administration process after a loved one passes. They handle court filings, asset distribution, and dispute resolution. Common matters include estate administration, will contests, heir disputes, trust administration.