Wills, Trusts & Probate
That's All We Do
Comprehensive Guide to Contesting and Defending Trusts in Auburn
Navigating a trust contest in Auburn, California involves understanding legal standards, local procedures, and practical strategies to protect your interests. This page explains what trust contests are, common grounds for contesting a trust, and the general steps involved in pursuing or defending a challenge in Placer County. We aim to provide clear, practical information to help you evaluate your situation, preserve important evidence, and make informed choices about whether to proceed with legal action. Knowing the basics can reduce uncertainty and help you take timely steps to protect assets and family relationships during a dispute.
Whether you are considering a challenge to a trust or responding to one, it helps to understand the potential consequences and options available in Auburn. This guide covers key legal concepts such as capacity and undue influence, typical evidence used in contests, timing considerations under California law, and alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. We highlight practical tips for gathering documents and preserving records so that you can present a well supported position. The information here is intended to help you approach trust contests with confidence and a clear plan for moving forward.
Why Addressing Trust Contests Matters in Auburn
Addressing trust contests promptly in Auburn can protect the distribution of assets and preserve the intentions of the person who created the trust. When disputes arise, taking early, informed steps helps prevent prolonged litigation that can deplete estate value and strain family relationships. A thoughtful approach helps ensure procedural requirements are met and relevant evidence is preserved, which is important for achieving a fair result. In many cases, careful work can also open the path to settlement or mediation, reducing time and expense while maintaining dignity for all parties involved in the dispute.
Our Firm's Approach to Trust Contests in Auburn
LA Estate Plans focuses on trust contest matters for residents of Auburn and Placer County with an emphasis on clear communication and diligent preparation. We work to understand each client situation, review documents thoroughly, and explain realistic options based on California trust law. Our process prioritizes preserving evidence, timely filings, and exploring settlement where appropriate while preparing for court when needed. Clients appreciate practical guidance and detailed planning that supports their objectives while navigating emotionally sensitive disputes among family members and beneficiaries.
Understanding Trust Contests in Auburn
A trust contest is a legal challenge to the validity or terms of a trust document filed in court by someone with a financial interest in the estate. In Auburn, contests commonly allege issues such as a lack of mental capacity at the time of signing, undue influence by another person, fraud, or improper execution of the trust document. Successfully managing a contest requires collecting supporting evidence, meeting California procedural deadlines, and presenting legal arguments that demonstrate why the trust should be upheld or set aside. Understanding how these elements interact helps you evaluate whether to proceed.
Parties involved in trust contests should be aware that the process may involve investigations, depositions, expert reports, and court hearings. Gathering documentary evidence such as medical records, correspondence, and financial statements is often essential. Witness statements and testimony can also play a key role in establishing facts about the trust maker’s mental state or the circumstances surrounding the trust formation. Being prepared for these evidentiary tasks and understanding local court timelines in Placer County helps maintain credibility and increases the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.
What Constitutes a Trust Contest
A trust contest is a formal legal action challenging the validity of a trust document or specific provisions within it. Challenges typically assert that the trust maker lacked capacity, was subject to undue influence, or that the document was procured by fraud or was improperly executed under California law. The goal of a contest may be to invalidate the trust entirely or to remove or alter certain terms. Understanding the basis for a contest and the required proof helps interested parties determine whether to file a petition or how to mount a defense when confronted with a challenge.
Key Elements and Steps in a Trust Contest
Contesting a trust involves several important steps, starting with a careful review of the trust document and related estate planning materials. Interested parties must identify valid legal grounds for challenge, collect supporting evidence such as medical and financial records, prepare and file court petitions or responses, and comply with California notice and service requirements. Discovery and witness interviews may follow, along with mediation or settlement discussions. If the dispute proceeds to trial, thorough preparation of factual and legal arguments becomes essential to present a persuasive case to the court.
Key Terms to Know in Trust Contests
Familiarity with common legal terms helps people involved in trust contests understand filings and courtroom discussions. Knowing the meaning of terms such as trust maker, trustee, beneficiary, capacity, and undue influence can simplify communication and reduce confusion. This section presents clear definitions of frequently encountered terms and explains how they relate to contest proceedings in Auburn and California. Learning these basics helps parties assess their position, communicate effectively with counsel, and follow procedural steps throughout the contest process.
Trust
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a person known as the trust maker transfers assets to a trustee to hold and manage for the benefit of named beneficiaries. Trusts can be used to control the distribution of property, reduce probate involvement, and provide instructions for management of assets after the trust maker’s incapacity or death. In the context of a contest, a trust’s terms and the circumstances of its creation are examined to determine whether the document accurately reflects the trust maker’s intentions and complies with formal legal requirements in California.
Undue Influence
Undue influence refers to improper pressure, manipulation, or coercion used to alter a trust maker’s decisions in favor of a particular person or outcome. Proving undue influence typically requires showing that the influencer exercised persuasion that overcame the trust maker’s independent judgment, often combined with suspicious circumstances surrounding the trust changes. Evidence may include patterns of isolation, dependency, or unusual changes in the estate plan. Demonstrating undue influence can lead a court to set aside affected provisions or the entire trust depending on the circumstances.
Capacity
Capacity addresses whether the trust maker had the mental ability to understand the nature and effects of creating or changing a trust at the time the document was executed. Legal capacity requires that the trust maker comprehend the assets involved, the natural beneficiaries, and the disposition being made. Evidence about capacity commonly includes medical records, physician statements, and witness testimony about the trust maker’s condition when the trust was signed. Lack of capacity can be a valid ground for challenging a trust if supported by credible evidence.
Beneficiary
A beneficiary is an individual or entity entitled to receive benefits or assets from a trust according to its terms. Beneficiaries may include family members, friends, charities, or organizations named in the trust. During a contest, beneficiaries often have standing to file or respond to challenges if their financial interest in the trust could be affected by a court ruling. Clarifying beneficiary rights and interests is an important early step in managing disputes and understanding who may participate in the contest process in Auburn.
Comparing Limited and Comprehensive Legal Approaches
When facing a trust dispute in Auburn, individuals can choose between a limited, targeted legal response or a comprehensive approach that addresses the entire estate plan and surrounding circumstances. A limited approach focuses on a specific provision or narrow legal issue and can be faster and less costly when the dispute is straightforward. A comprehensive approach involves a detailed review of all relevant documents, evidence, and potential legal theories and is appropriate for complex or high value matters. Selecting the right path depends on case complexity, risk tolerance, and desired outcomes.
When a Focused Legal Response May Be Appropriate:
Disputes Limited to a Single Provision
A limited approach may be appropriate when the disagreement centers on one specific clause or allocation within the trust and the disputed issue can be resolved without broad examination of the entire estate plan. If the relevant facts are clear and supporting documentation is strong, targeting a narrow challenge or defense can efficiently address the dispute and reduce time and expense. Parties should still preserve evidence and meet procedural deadlines, but a focused strategy often helps contain costs while resolving the core disagreement.
Clear Supporting Evidence for the Trust
When documentation and circumstances strongly support the trust’s validity, interested parties may effectively resolve issues through a limited challenge or a focused defense that confirms the trust maker’s intent. Clear medical records, contemporaneous communications, and consistent prior planning can reduce the need for broad litigation. A concentrated response streamlines proceedings when the factual record is well established and reduces disruption to family relationships, while still protecting the legal rights and financial interests of those involved.
When a Comprehensive Approach Is Advisable:
Multiple or Interconnected Disputes
A comprehensive legal approach is often necessary when disputes involve several contested issues, overlapping claims, or complicated family dynamics that cannot be resolved in isolation. In such cases, reviewing the full estate plan and related documents helps identify all potential vulnerabilities and develop coordinated strategies. Thorough investigation and preparation reduce the risk that unresolved issues will resurface later and provide a clearer path to a consistent resolution that considers the entire context of the trust maker’s intentions and estate administration.
High Value or Significant Consequences
When the trust holds substantial assets or when outcomes will have significant financial or familial consequences, a comprehensive approach ensures careful handling of all legal and factual aspects to protect beneficiaries. This method includes detailed evidence gathering, consultation with medical and financial professionals as needed, and preparing for litigation or settlement from a thoroughly informed position. Investing in a full review and strategy helps reduce unforeseen risks and supports more durable resolutions in contested trust matters.
Benefits of Taking a Comprehensive Approach
A comprehensive approach to trust contests offers a complete review of the trust document, surrounding circumstances, and potential legal arguments, which helps minimize surprises and strengthen a party’s position. This method promotes careful fact finding, structured discovery, and the development of coherent legal strategies that anticipate opposing claims. By examining all elements together, parties can avoid piecemeal litigation and increase the likelihood of reaching a resolution that aligns with the trust maker’s intent while protecting beneficiaries’ rights in Auburn and under California law.
Comprehensive preparation supports better negotiation and settlement prospects, as a well documented case often encourages reasonable resolution discussions. It also ensures that evidence is collected and preserved properly, helping to withstand attacks on credibility or procedural grounds. When trial becomes necessary, a full strategy provides the structure for effective presentation to the court. Overall, this approach reduces long term risk and helps parties reach outcomes that are legally sound and practically sustainable.
Thorough Case Preparation
Thorough case preparation is a key advantage of a comprehensive approach because it involves a systematic review of all documents, witness statements, and potential evidentiary sources. This preparation clarifies the strengths and weaknesses of a claim or defense and facilitates effective legal arguments. In Auburn trust contests, such preparation helps ensure deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and every relevant legal theory is considered. A comprehensive review reduces the chance of missing important facts that could materially affect the outcome of the dispute.
Strategic Planning and Resolution Options
A comprehensive strategy enables informed decision making about settlement, mediation, or trial by identifying available resolution paths and their likely outcomes. With full knowledge of the facts and legal landscape, parties can pursue negotiation from a position that anticipates opposing arguments and evidentiary needs. This holistic view supports creative solutions that may preserve family relationships while protecting financial interests, and it prepares parties for litigation if settlement proves impossible, increasing the chances of a favorable legal result.
Practice Areas
Top Searched Keywords
- Auburn trust contest lawyer
- trust contests Placer County
- challenging a trust in Auburn
- undue influence trust California
- trust validity disputes Auburn
- trust contest legal process
- trust contest evidence Auburn
- trust contest mediation Placer County
- contest a trust after distribution California
Professional Tips for Trust Contest Cases
Gather Comprehensive Documentation
Collect all relevant documents such as the trust instrument, prior estate planning documents, medical records, correspondence, and financial statements that reflect the trust maker’s condition and intentions. Detailed documentation supports claims about capacity or undue influence and provides a factual foundation for petitions or defenses. Organize materials chronologically and highlight key communications that reflect the trust maker’s expressed wishes. Maintaining a clear record facilitates efficient review and makes it easier to share necessary documents with the court or opposing parties when required in Auburn proceedings.
Understand California Trust Law and Deadlines
Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution
Explore mediation or settlement discussions as a way to resolve disputes while preserving relationships and reducing costs associated with full litigation. Mediation offers a structured setting for parties to discuss concerns and reach a mutually acceptable agreement with the help of a neutral facilitator. Preparing thoroughly for mediation with organized evidence and clear objectives increases the likelihood of productive negotiations. Even when mediation does not resolve every issue, the process can narrow disputes and shape a more focused litigation strategy if the case proceeds to court.
Reasons to Consider Contesting or Defending a Trust
People may consider contesting a trust if they believe the trust maker lacked the required mental capacity, was subject to undue influence, or that the document was procured by fraud or improper execution. Defending a trust may be necessary to preserve the expressed wishes of the trust maker and to protect beneficiaries from unwarranted challenges. Understanding the legal grounds and potential remedies can help you evaluate whether initiating or responding to a contest aligns with your goals and the likely outcomes under California law.
Another reason to engage in a trust contest or defense is to correct errors or omissions that could otherwise harm the estate or distribute assets in a way that does not reflect the trust maker’s intent. Contesting or defending a trust can ensure that assets are distributed properly and that fiduciary duties are performed appropriately. Timely legal attention helps preserve necessary evidence and gives you a clearer picture of the options available for resolving disputes in a manner consistent with state law and the trust maker’s intentions.
Common Situations That Lead to Trust Contests
Trust contests in Auburn commonly arise from concerns about the trust maker’s mental state at the time of signing, alleged undue influence by a caregiver or family member, disputes among beneficiaries over sudden changes, or questions about whether formal execution requirements were met. These situations often involve emotionally charged family dynamics and competing narratives about the trust maker’s intentions. Early assessment and careful preservation of documentation help clarify the facts and support rational resolution methods such as negotiation or court proceedings when needed.
Questioning Mental Capacity
Concerns about the trust maker’s capacity frequently trigger trust contests when parties believe the individual was unable to understand the nature and effects of the trust at the time it was signed. Capacity disputes often rely on medical records, testimony from witnesses present at signing, and evidence of cognitive decline. Demonstrating lack of capacity requires showing that the trust maker did not comprehend key information about their assets, beneficiaries, or the consequences of the document, and careful review of contemporaneous evidence is critical in these cases.
Allegations of Undue Influence
Allegations that someone exerted undue influence arise when parties suspect manipulation or pressure led to the trust maker changing their intentions in favor of a particular person. Evidence often includes changes to the estate plan that coincide with the influencer gaining proximity or control, isolation of the trust maker, or circumstances that suggest manipulation. Courts examine the relationship between the parties, the presence of suspicious circumstances, and the trust maker’s vulnerability to determine whether undue influence occurred.
Disputes Over Execution or Fraud
Disputes may also focus on whether the trust was properly executed according to legal requirements or whether the document was the product of fraud. Claims of improper execution look at signatures, witness attestations, and compliance with California formalities. Fraud allegations may involve fabricated documents or misrepresentations used to obtain the trust maker’s agreement. Resolving these claims requires examining original documents, comparing drafts, and, where available, collecting corroborating witness statements and records.
We Are Here to Help Auburn Residents
Why Choose Our Firm for Trust Contests
Clients choose LA Estate Plans because we provide focused attention on trust contest matters in Auburn and Placer County, ensuring that each case receives careful document review and strategic planning. We explain California rules and local procedures in plain language, helping you understand timelines, evidentiary needs, and realistic outcomes. Our goal is to help clients protect their financial interests while seeking resolutions that respect family relationships and the trust maker’s intentions.
Our firm emphasizes practical preparation, including gathering medical and financial records, coordinating witness statements, and evaluating the strengths of claims or defenses. We discuss settlement opportunities and alternatives to litigation, such as mediation, while staying prepared to pursue litigation if necessary. This balanced approach helps manage costs and time while advocating for a fair result that aligns with your objectives in Auburn trust contests.
We also prioritize transparent communication about fees, likely timelines, and potential outcomes so clients can make informed decisions. We assist with initial case evaluation, petition preparation, service and notification of interested parties, and representation through negotiation or court proceedings. Contact information and a straightforward intake process make it easier to take the first step toward resolving trust disputes in Placer County.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Trust Contest
How We Handle Trust Contests in Auburn
Our process for trust contests begins with a comprehensive intake and document gathering phase to understand the trust, any related estate planning documents, and the relevant facts. We assess possible legal grounds for contest or defense, advise on timing and required notices under California law, and develop a tailored strategy. This includes preparing petitions or responses, assisting with service of process, conducting discovery, and pursuing settlement where appropriate while preparing for litigation if a negotiated resolution is not possible.
Initial Case Evaluation and Documentation
We start by collecting all pertinent documents and information about the trust maker, the trust document, prior estate plans, and any communications that bear on intent or capacity. The initial evaluation identifies potential grounds for contest or defense, highlights evidentiary needs, and establishes a timeline for action. Early organization of records and timely preservation of medical and financial evidence improve the ability to present a credible case in Auburn proceedings.
Client Consultation and Goals
During a detailed consultation we listen to your concerns, clarify objectives, and discuss possible outcomes and strategies. We explain procedural steps, required notices, and helpful types of evidence to gather. Defining goals at the outset allows us to tailor our approach and focus on the most effective path toward resolution given the specific facts and your priorities in the dispute.
Document Review and Evidence Gathering
We perform a careful review of the trust and related estate planning documents, medical records, correspondence, and financial statements to identify strengths and gaps in the record. This step often includes interviews of witnesses and advising on how to preserve or collect additional documentary support. A thorough evidentiary foundation is essential for pursuing a contest or mounting a strong defense in court.
Filing, Service, and Discovery
Once a strategy is established, we prepare and file the necessary petitions or responses with the court and ensure that all interested parties are properly served and notified under California rules. Discovery follows as needed to obtain medical records, financial documents, and witness testimony. Timely management of filings and discovery helps build a complete case and avoids procedural pitfalls that could weaken a party’s position in the contest.
Petition and Response Preparation
We draft clear, legally grounded petitions or responses that articulate the bases for contest or defense and request appropriate relief. Preparing persuasive pleadings requires detailed factual support and careful citation to applicable law. Properly framed pleadings set the stage for effective discovery and potential settlement discussions in Auburn proceedings.
Service, Notices, and Procedural Compliance
Ensuring all parties receive proper notice and that filings comply with California procedural requirements is essential to preserve rights and maintain momentum in the case. We coordinate service of process, file required declarations, and monitor statutory deadlines so the contest proceeds without avoidable procedural issues. Attention to these formalities protects the integrity of the case and helps avoid contested motions over technical defects.
Negotiation, Mediation, and Trial Preparation
After discovery, we assess settlement prospects and may engage in negotiation or mediation to resolve disputes without trial. When settlement is not possible, we prepare for trial by organizing evidence, preparing witnesses, and refining legal arguments. Effective trial preparation includes mock examinations, thorough exhibits, and a cohesive presentation strategy to communicate the facts and law clearly to the court. Preparation for trial strengthens negotiating positions and fosters better outcomes.
Mediation and Settlement Discussions
We encourage mediation when appropriate because it offers a confidential forum to resolve disputes while saving time and expense. Preparing for mediation involves presenting a realistic case assessment, organizing persuasive evidence, and identifying priorities for settlement. Mediation can produce creative solutions that a court cannot order and may preserve family relationships by fostering cooperative dialogue among parties.
Trial Readiness and Court Representation
If litigation proceeds to trial, we focus on presenting a clear, well documented case through effective witness examination and organized exhibits. Trial readiness includes preparing witness testimony, anticipating opposing arguments, and ensuring evidence is admitted under applicable rules. Skilled courtroom presentation aims to communicate the trust maker’s true intentions and the factual basis for contest or defense, seeking a judgment that reflects the legal merits of the dispute.
The Proof is in Our Performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Contests in Auburn
What are common legal grounds to contest a trust in Auburn?
Common legal grounds for contesting a trust include allegations that the trust maker lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of creating or changing a trust, claims of undue influence where someone improperly pressured the trust maker, assertions of fraud such as forged documents or misrepresentations, and challenges based on improper execution if signature or witness requirements were not met. Each ground requires specific types of evidence and legal argumentation under California law to be persuasive in court. Understanding these grounds helps determine whether a contest is warranted. For capacity claims, medical records and testimony about the trust maker’s mental state at the time of signing are important. For undue influence, evidence of suspicious circumstances, changes in the estate plan favoring a particular person, or a relationship that enabled manipulation can be decisive. Fraud and execution challenges often rely on document comparison, witness statements, and proof of irregularities in the signing process.
How long do I have to file a trust contest in California?
Time limits for filing trust contests in California depend on how and when notice of the trust was received and on the specific relief sought. Generally, a petition to contest may need to be filed within 120 days after the interested person receives formal notice of the trust’s administration, though exceptions and different deadlines can apply depending on the circumstances and the type of claim being made. It is essential to act promptly to avoid missing critical deadlines. Missing the applicable statute of limitations can severely limit options for challenging a trust, so early evaluation and timely filing are important. A quick review of the notice you received and consultation about the relevant timelines under California law will clarify your filing window and help preserve your right to contest if appropriate.
Can I contest a trust after assets have been distributed?
Contesting a trust after assets have been distributed is more complex but sometimes possible depending on the facts and timing. Courts may consider petitions to set aside transfers or seek restitution if distributions were made under circumstances that support claims of fraud, undue influence, or lack of capacity. The feasibility of challenging distributions often depends on how long ago they occurred, whether beneficiaries have changed their positions in reliance on the distributions, and applicable legal doctrines such as laches or equitable defenses. Because post distribution contests involve additional factual and equitable considerations, collecting contemporaneous evidence and documenting why the transfer should be reversed is critical. Early consultation helps assess whether a challenge is viable, which remedies may be available, and how the passage of time might affect the likelihood of obtaining relief in Placer County.
What evidence is typically used in trust contests?
Typical evidence in trust contests includes medical and mental health records that speak to the trust maker’s capacity, correspondence and communications that show intent or undue influence, financial records that reveal suspicious transactions, and testimony from witnesses present during the trust creation or modification. Original trust documents and any drafts or prior estate planning materials are also important to show changes and consistency with previously expressed wishes. In addition, expert medical opinions may be used to explain cognitive conditions, and forensic analysis of documents can help establish authenticity. Organizing this evidence coherently and ensuring its availability through discovery procedures strengthens a party’s position during litigation or settlement discussions in Auburn.
Do trust contests happen often in Placer County?
Trust contests occur in Placer County as they do elsewhere, often arising from family disagreements, changes in estate plans that surprise heirs, or concerns about the trust maker’s condition at signing. While contests are not an everyday occurrence for most families, they are common enough that planning for potential disputes and preserving evidence is prudent when significant assets or complex family dynamics are involved. Knowledge of local procedures and courts helps parties navigate these cases effectively. Proactive steps such as documenting the trust maker’s intentions, maintaining clear records, and communicating changes to interested parties can reduce the likelihood of disputes. When contests do arise, understanding the local legal environment and available dispute resolution options increases the chance of achieving an appropriate outcome without prolonged conflict.
Is mediation effective for trust disputes?
Mediation can be an effective way to resolve trust disputes by providing a less adversarial environment where parties can negotiate with the help of a neutral facilitator. It often reduces time and cost compared to full litigation and can preserve family relationships by encouraging collaborative solutions. Mediation is particularly useful when disputes hinge on misunderstandings or when parties value creative settlements that courts cannot impose. Success in mediation depends on preparation, willingness to compromise, and the quality of documentation presented. Parties who prepare organized evidence and understand their key priorities are better positioned to negotiate effectively. Even if mediation does not fully resolve the case, it can narrow issues and make subsequent litigation more efficient.
Who is eligible to file a trust contest in California?
In California, a person with a financial interest in the trust typically has standing to contest it. This includes named beneficiaries, heirs who would inherit in the absence of the trust, and other persons who can show that the trust affects their property rights. Establishing standing is an essential early step because the court will not consider the merits of a contest unless the petitioner demonstrates a legally recognized interest in the outcome. Determining standing sometimes requires review of the trust language and related estate planning documents to see who is affected by the contested provisions. If you believe you have a direct financial stake, gathering documentation of your interest and seeking an early evaluation can clarify your eligibility to file a challenge in Placer County.
What happens if a trust contest succeeds?
If a trust contest succeeds, the court may invalidate the trust in whole or in part, modify specific provisions, or order other remedies such as returning assets to a prior estate plan or awarding restitution to affected parties. The exact relief depends on the legal grounds proven and the evidence presented. Courts aim to restore outcomes that reflect the trust maker’s true intent and to correct legal deficiencies in the documents or processes used to create the trust. Successful contests can significantly alter asset distribution, so parties should be prepared for substantial effects on estate administration. Understanding potential remedies helps set realistic expectations and informs decisions about whether to negotiate a settlement or pursue full litigation in pursuit of the desired outcome.
How much does it cost to contest a trust?
The cost of contesting a trust varies widely based on the complexity of the issues, the volume of necessary discovery, expert involvement, and the length of litigation. Simple challenges or defended matters that settle early tend to be less expensive, while contested trials with multiple experts, depositions, and extended court hearings increase costs. Considering alternative dispute resolution options like mediation can help manage expenses by resolving disputes more efficiently. Discussing fees upfront and considering fee arrangements or phased engagement can provide clarity and predictability. Evaluating the potential financial stakes alongside the estimated costs of litigation helps parties decide whether a contest is a practical course of action given the likely benefits and expenses.
What should I do first if I want to contest a trust?
If you are considering contesting a trust, the first step is to gather all relevant documents related to the trust maker and the estate plan, including original trust documents, previous wills or trusts, medical records, and communications that reflect the trust maker’s intent. Preserving these materials and any evidence of suspicious circumstances is important. Early organization supports a prompt evaluation of whether a contest is warranted and which grounds are most appropriate under California law. Next, seek a legal evaluation to confirm standing, identify applicable deadlines, and determine the best strategy for pursuing or defending a contest. Acting promptly helps ensure statutory timeframes are met and critical evidence remains available, maximizing the likelihood of achieving a favorable resolution in Auburn and Placer County.