Keith Van Dyke
Partner
MR. VAN DYKE IS A SENIOR LITIGATION PARTNER, RESPONSIBLE FOR TRYING TRUST LITIGATION CASES AND PREPARING THEM FOR TRIAL. HE HAS EXTENSIVE TRIAL EXPERIENCE, HAVING PRACTICED IN LITIGATION FOR OVER 33 YEARS.
He also has considerable experience in handling arbitrations, mediations, law and motion, discovery, and all areas of trial preparation.
He currently practices probate and civil litigation in both State and Federal Courts. He has tried numerous high-value cases to successful conclusions by tenaciously representing our client interests. He is highly proficient at achieving positive results for our clients through the litigation process.
Mr. Van Dyke is a Senior Litigation Partner, responsible for trying Trust litigation cases and preparing them for trial. He has extensive trial experience, having practiced in litigation for over 33 years.
Hess-Verdon and Associates PLC has been featured in the California Lawyer magazine and the Orange County Lawyer magazine regarding Trusts and Estate issues.
KEITH VAN DYKE
PARTNER
Throughout his career, Mr. Van Dyke has a keen specialization in foreclosure litigation together with a general business litigation practice with an emphasis in the areas of the following:
- Unfair secrets
- Unfair competition
- Employment, corporate, and partnership disputes
- Bankruptcy, non-dischargeable litigation,
- Probate, and Trust disputes.
- Conservatorship
- Business litigation matters
Mr. Van Dyke, handles complicated trust disputes and trust administration matters involving trusts ranging from $5 Million to over $500 million, as well as, abroad array of business disputes. He has successfully assisted corporate and individual clients in the structure and completion of numerous transactions, utilizing efficient and often creative approaches to achieve his clients’ needs and objectives.
Mr. Van Dyke’s representation of clients in disputes include, but is not limited to, the following:
BUSINESS LITIGATION
- Shareholder Disputes
- Fraud/Misrepresentation Actions
- Property Disputes
- Contract Actions
- Shareholder Actions
- Dissolution Actions
Representing Trustees
- Defense of Trustee against Removal and Surcharge claims
- Accounting and General Trust Administration
- Modification and Termination of Trusts
- Determination of Beneficiaries
- Actions Against a Trustee
- Co-Trustee Problems
- Trust Dispute Litigation
- Theft from an Estate
- Misappropriation of Trust funds
- Acquisition, Preservation of Distribution of Trust Assets
- Validation of Trust and Trust-related documents
- 850 Petitions to Return Property to Trust
Representing Beneficiaries
- Removal and Surcharge of Trustees
- Failing to account to Beneficiary
- Failing to make required distributions
- Acquisition, Preservation of Distribution of Trust Assets
- Incompetence and Undue Influence cases
- Elder Abuse and Related Misconduct
- Validation of Trust and Trust-related documents
- Breach of Fiduciary Duties/Breach of Trust
Mr. Van Dyke’s practice extends throughout the State of California and he has represented clients in the following counties:
Education
- Juris Doctor, Pepperdine Law School, (1986) cum laude.
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), University of California, Los Angeles (1982)
Admissions
- California State Bar- 1986
United States District Court, Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California, 1986
Areas of Practice
Mr. Van Dyke has represented individual and business clients in a wide variety of Estate and Trust related disputes including
- Breaches of fiduciary duty
- Breach of contract
- Trade secrets
- Mortgage Lending
- Easements
- Construction
- Landlord-tenant and unfair business practices.
In addition, he represents individuals, private professionals and entities in their capacities as trustees and personal representatives, in contested Court proceedings, including accountings, will and trust contests, petitions for removal trustees and other litigated trust matters.
Professional & Community Affiliations
- California State Bar Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- Business Litigation Section
“Absolutely top notch firm for handling all your estate planning matters.”
“Definitely a firm that will “fight to the finish.”
“That you are so knowledgeable and add such a personal, caring quality and can be reached so easily with questions.”
“I appreciate that you keep us informed on all pertinent legal considerations.”
“Professional and knowledgeable.”