This CLE explores the procedural and substantive issues that arise when estate administration becomes contested, particularly in matters involving hearings before — and occasionally against — the Commissioner of Accounts. Attendees will gain insight into the unique role the Commissioner plays in overseeing fiduciary conduct, reviewing accountings, and resolving disputes among beneficiaries, creditors, and fiduciaries. The session will focus on common points of conflict such as contested debts and demands hearings, improper distributions, challenges to fiduciary fees, disputes over asset valuation, and allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. It will also address the procedural mechanics of initiating and responding to a show cause hearing, objecting to a Commissioner’s report, and preserving issues for circuit court review. The session will also provide an overview of recent appellate court opinions and pending appellate court cases which involve the Commissioner of Accounts. Whether you represent fiduciaries, beneficiaries, or creditors, this course will provide practical guidance on how to navigate contested estate matters effectively, maintain compliance with fiduciary obligations, and prepare for hearings that could significantly impact the administration process. By the end of the session, attendees will be better equipped to advocate for their clients in matters before the Commissioner of Accounts’ Office and understand when and how to challenge or defend a Commissioner’s findings in court.
Seth B. Royster
Associate
Shannon & Wright LLP
Seth Royster is an associate at Shannon & Wright LLP, where he represents clients in estate planning/administration, business law, real estate, and civil/commercial litigation.
Seth serves as a trusted advisor to his clients on guardianship and conservatorship matters and guides fiduciaries through common issues that can arise when serving in those roles. Seth’s litigation experience includes representing clients in both General District and Circuit Courts throughout Virginia in real estate disputes, elder law matters, and commercial matters. With over five years of experience practicing law, Seth is licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina.
Prior to attending law school, Seth spent several years working for Virginia based law firms, which included working as an auditor for the City of Portsmouth Commissioner of Accounts. In 2017, Seth graduated from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, obtaining his Juris Doctorate degree.
Seth is a believer in community involvement and has served on multiple nonprofit boards. When not at work, Seth is with his wife exploring the local food scene and attending live sporting events.
Xue Connelly
Associate
Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner, PLLC
Xue Connelly is an associate at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC, specializing in bankruptcy, wills, trusts and estates. Ms. Connelly helps individuals and small businesses throughout Northern Virginia protect their assets. She has extensive experience handling all forms of bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for individuals, and Chapter 7 for businesses. She also concentrates on estate planning and administration, advising clients on the latest and most efficient asset-protection strategies.
Ms. Connelly began her career at Wade, Grimes, Friedman, Meinken & Leischner, PLLC in 2012 as a paralegal. In addition to her work at the firm, she was the senior research editor for the National Security Law Journal from 2016 to 2018 and an executive board member. Ms. Connelly received her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law. She also served as a student advisor in the George Mason Veterans and Servicemembers Legal Clinic, where she provided pro bono legal assistance to veterans and their families on issues such as uncontested domestic law cases, veterans disability appeals, discharge upgrades, and other matters.
Ms. Connelly’s passion for the law was sparked by summer internships at the Department of Justice (DOJ) Overseas Prosecutorial Development and Training at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. She also interned in DOJ’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering section in Washington D.C.
Ms. Connelly grew up in both Alexandria, VA, and in Bogota, Colombia, she is a native spanish speaker. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading and beating her husband in Scrabble.
