A Call for Amicus Curiae Support
This Appeal Presents Questions of Statewide Importance
This appeal presents legal issues that extend well beyond the interests of the parties involved. It raises significant questions concerning California trust law, estate planning, standing to challenge trusts, due process, and the ability of Californians to rely upon carefully drafted estate planning documents.
Because the issues presented have the potential to affect trust administration and estate planning throughout California, we respectfully encourage interested organizations, professionals, and members of the public to consider participating in this appeal through the filing of amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs, where appropriate and consistent with the California Rules of Court.
Amicus briefs provide appellate courts with perspectives that may not otherwise be fully presented by the parties.
They allow organizations, scholars, practitioners, and other interested persons to explain how a decision may affect California law, public policy, and the broader public.
Organizations That May Have an Interest Include:
- Estate planning attorneys
- Probate and trust litigation attorneys
- The Trusts and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association
- Local and statewide bar associations
- Wealth management firms
- Financial advisors
- Certified Public Accountants
- Fiduciaries and professional trustees
- Corporate trustees and trust companies
- Charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations
- Property rights organizations
- Business associations
- Senior advocacy organizations
- Estate planning educators
- Law professors and legal scholars
- Consumer advocacy organizations concerned with due process and property rights
Why Amicus Participation Matters
Appellate decisions often shape California law for years to come. When an appeal presents issues of broad public importance, amicus participation can assist the Court by providing legal analysis, practical experience, historical context, and policy considerations that extend beyond the interests of the individual litigants.
If your organization, profession, or community may be affected by the legal issues presented in this appeal, we respectfully encourage you to review the appellate filings and determine whether participation as an amicus curiae would assist the Court in resolving these important questions.
California Court of Appeal
Case: Hamlin et al. v. Jendayi
Court: California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
Case No.: A176883
The appeal seeks review of significant legal questions arising from the administration and validity of the Laura Dean Head Living Trust and the legal principles governing trust contests under California law.
Help Protect the Integrity of California Estate Planning
Whether you are an attorney, trustee, financial professional, educator, nonprofit organization, business owner, or California resident who believes that significant questions of trust law deserve careful appellate consideration, your voice can matter.
Meaningful participation by the broader legal and professional community can help ensure that issues affecting millions of Californians receive the thoughtful consideration they deserve.
Provided below are two sample amicus briefs
SAMPLE – Formal Amicus Curiae Brief
SAMPLE – Public Interest Amicus Brief
How to submit an Amicus Brief
Typical Filing Package
An amicus filing usually consists of:
- Application for Permission to File Amicus Curiae Brief
- Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief (attached or filed with the application)
- Proof of Service
- Certificate of Compliance (word count, if applicable)
If you need assistance with your Amicus Curiae Brief, please feel free to contact Quintella Griffin and she will assist you with getting your Amicus Curiae Brief submitted.
Quintella Griffin, Paralegal and Legal Strategist
dba Get It Right Document Preparation Services
Southern Cal. Business Cell No. (951) 209-9702
Email: amicusbriefsupport@protectyourtrust.org