20+ Years Handling
Complex And High-Asset Estate and Trust Disputes
Founding attorney Adam Fried is a skilled problem-solver with decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge. He draws upon his skills and insight in resolving high-value assets wealth transfers, inheritance, fund mismanagement and elder exploitation.
Turning Complicated Cases
Into Clear Strategies
Attorney Fried approaches complex legal disputes by methodically untangling the intricate details of each case, much like unraveling a knot in a shoelace. He focuses on clarifying his clients’ narratives by stripping away extraneous information, similar to strategically removing pieces in a game of Jenga that do not impact the overall structure. His goal is to isolate the essential facts and issues, enabling him to make well-informed decisions to effectively advocate for his clients.
Estate Litigation
High-value assets wealth transfers and inheritance
Trust Litigation
Fund mismanagement and elder exploitationEstate Litigation
Trust Litigation
Based In Beachwood And Handling Cases Throughout Ohio
Advocating For Effective
Solutions In Estate And Trust Conflicts
At The Law Offices of Adam M. Fried, a significant aspect of attorney Fried’s practice involves advocating and protecting vulnerable clients, particularly the elderly or those unable to defend themselves, from financial exploitation. He handles cases of undue influence where individuals may have been taken advantage of in the process of estate planning, the creation of beneficiary designation, and challenging trusts and beneficiary designations to protect his clients. He also tackles breach of trust issues such as trustees mismanaging funds or failing to maintain necessary communications, often referred to as “breach of trust.” Not all claims are well founded, and therefore, Mr. Fried also spends a significant portion of his practice defending fiduciaries and unfounded claims of undue influence and lack of capacity.
When dealing with estate litigation, attorney Fried handles complex cases involving high-net-worth families, individuals, and closely help companies. Given the complexity and emotional charge often involved in family inheritance claims, attorney Fried diligently works to create strong, coherent stories or arguments. His goal in doing this is to ensure the case is understandable and persuasive to others, such as judges or juries, especially when there are conflicting versions of events presented by the other side in the dispute.
Case Results
Haddad v. Maalouf-Masek, 2024-Ohio-1983: 8th District Court of Appeals affirmed order granted summary judgment against the Plaintiff who brought claims against her sister alleging Intentional Interference with an Expectancy of an Inheritance. The 8th District Court of Appeals made clear that the mere fact that a daughter, at one time had a close relationship with her mother, is not enough to establish an expectancy in an inheritance.
In re Estate of Abraitis, 2018-Ohio-584: Successful Appeal upholding Probate Court Order Removing Executor. As stated by the 8th District Court of Appeals: “During the hearing, Fried questioned Brady as if she were under cross-examination. Brady did not present witnesses or other evidence. It is axiomatic that the scope of cross-examination lies within the sound discretion of the trial court and is viewed in relation to the particular facts of the case. State v. Peterson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 100897 and 100899, 2015–Ohio–1013, ¶ 97, citing State v. Cannon, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100658, 2014–Ohio–4801, ¶ 15. The exercise of such discretion will not be disturbed absent an abuse of that discretion. Id., citing id. A review of the record shows that Fried’s questions to Brady were appropriate and any “intimidation” or “harassment” Brady may have felt most likely stemmed from the understandable frustration with Brady’s responses, or lack thereof. Brady blatantly refused to answer the questions she was being asked.”
Young v. Kaufman, 2020-Ohio-3283: Fried, on behalf of one of the Defendants, defended a challenge to the decedent’s will and Trust on claims brought by the Plaintiffs to a Jury. The Trial Court granted a directed verdict, dismissing the case. On appeal, which included many evidentiary issues, the subject of fiduciary relationships and presumptions, and other complicated issues including alleged mandates relating to prior appellate history, the trial court decision was affirmed.
Haddad v. Maalouf-Masek, 2024-Ohio-1983: 8th District Court of Appeals affirmed order granted summary judgment against the Plaintiff who brought claims against her sister alleging Intentional Interference with an Expectancy of an Inheritance. The 8th District Court of Appeals made clear that the mere fact that a daughter, at one time had a close relationship with her mother, is not enough to establish an expectancy in an inheritance.
In re Estate of Abraitis, 2018-Ohio-584: Successful Appeal upholding Probate Court Order Removing Executor. As stated by the 8th District Court of Appeals: “During the hearing, Fried questioned Brady as if she were under cross-examination. Brady did not present witnesses or other evidence. It is axiomatic that the scope of cross-examination lies within the sound discretion of the trial court and is viewed in relation to the particular facts of the case. State v. Peterson, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga Nos. 100897 and 100899, 2015–Ohio–1013, ¶ 97, citing State v. Cannon, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 100658, 2014–Ohio–4801, ¶ 15. The exercise of such discretion will not be disturbed absent an abuse of that discretion. Id., citing id. A review of the record shows that Fried’s questions to Brady were appropriate and any “intimidation” or “harassment” Brady may have felt most likely stemmed from the understandable frustration with Brady’s responses, or lack thereof. Brady blatantly refused to answer the questions she was being asked.”
Young v. Kaufman, 2020-Ohio-3283: Fried, on behalf of one of the Defendants, defended a challenge to the decedent’s will and Trust on claims brought by the Plaintiffs to a Jury. The Trial Court granted a directed verdict, dismissing the case. On appeal, which included many evidentiary issues, the subject of fiduciary relationships and presumptions, and other complicated issues including alleged mandates relating to prior appellate history, the trial court decision was affirmed.
Resolve Your Estate Disputes
With Effective Guidance
If you are facing complex estate or trust litigation issues, Attorney Fried has a firm grasp of working through these issues effectively and efficiently. Offering consultation to clients and counsel, including subjects of strategy and value. His goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions on all major aspects of the case. Through his legal knowledge he provides guidance, helping you make the right decisions for your case. Call The Law Offices of Adam M. Fried, at 216-710-4555 or complete the online contact form.
Over 25 Years
Of Proven Experience
Having worked at a larger firm since 2000, attorney Fried brings over 24 years of extensive experience and knowledge to estate and trust litigation disputes. He established his firm The Law Offices of Adam M. Fried, in 2024 with a mission to resolve and guide clients in legal disputes with professionalism, skill and integrity.
Fried actively contributes to the legal community, including participation on the Ohio State Bar’s electronic wills task force, public speaking, publishing in the Probate Law Journal of Ohio, and engaging in scholarly activities such as lectures and authorship.
He is passionate about the topic of financial exploitation and the aging community and has provided testimony against an Ohio Bill.
Meet Your
Attorney
Adam Fried
Attorney Position: Founder
