In the unfortunate event of a person’s death, questions regarding inheritance and the rights of family members often arise. One common concern is whether the deceased’s second family is entitled to any inheritance. This is where effective estate planning comes in;...
Have you ever wondered what happens when multiple wills are involved after someone dies? It can be a complicated and confusing situation, especially for those left to sort out the deceased’s affairs. A will should outline a person’s wishes for the distribution of...
Being cautious on social media during a probate dispute is essential to protect your interests and to maintain the integrity of the legal process. There is no question that it can be almost unreasonably difficult to put down your “screens” entirely. But if you can –...
When considering estate disputes, people sometimes think only about “big ticket” items. They think about how it may be controversial to divide up a life insurance policy, to sell the family home or to split up the remaining retirement funds. These things certainly can...
Spouses are often the main focus in someone's estate plan, other than their young children. If people die without wills, spouses have very strong rights according to intestate succession laws. Many testators who draft wills and trusts intentionally include terms for...
Undue influence is one of the grounds for contesting a will. It happens when someone interferes with the free will or judgment of the owner of a will (the testator) through underhand tactics like coercion, excessive persuasion or trickery. If you believe your loved...
Many estate disputes and will contests happen simply because assets are not divided equally. Heirs expected that they would all get similar inheritances from their parents. When it turns out that someone gets far less than someone else, a dispute may occur because...
There are many reasons why it’s a good idea to set up a trust as part of your estate planning process. For most people, it can result in great benefits which include avoiding having to navigate probate and making sure your beneficiaries receive what you intended for...
Contesting a will is necessary if you believe the given one does not reflect your loved one's true intentions. However, you should be informed to make the right moves. Mistakes can affect your chances of fighting for your loved one. The following are three mistakes to...
The executor of an estate either takes that role on because a deceased person named them specifically to serve in this way or because the probate courts empowered them. In either situation, an executor has an obligation to the estate and the people who would benefit...
