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...
Will Contests
Challenging a will on grounds of lack of testamentary capacity
A will is one of the most important legal documents you can ever create. A will lets you stipulate your wishes regarding what will happen to your estate when you die. And if you have minor children, a will also lets you designate a legal guardian for them. However,...
Should you discuss your estate plan with your beneficiaries?
Estate planning, for most people, is both a personal and morbid subject. As such, it is not uncommon for parents to shy away from discussing their estate plans with their children or intended beneficiaries. The decision to discuss your estate plan with your family is...
Who can contest a will?
Losing a loved one is painful, but the process can become more difficult when you realize you are not part of the will or you believe the given will does not reflect your loved one's real intentions. In that case, you have the option to contest it. To do so, you...
Were you accidentally disinherited?
You’re surprised when you find out that you’ve been disinherited. Your parents have passed away, and the estate administrator reads the will. You’re not mentioned anywhere, and the assets are given to other heirs and beneficiaries. The administrator tells you that...
When can you contest a will?
The time after a family member has passed away is very upsetting. On top of dealing with grief, you may have to play a role in handling their estate plan. Over the years, you developed a strong sense of the final wishes of your loved one. This is because you...
Signs that a will could be fraudulent
Your elderly relative took care of you for years when you were younger, and you’ve pledged to do the same for them as they reach their twilight years. You know that they care deeply about their family, including you, your siblings and all of the younger children. For...
Common examples of undue influence
Estate planning involves the drafting of legal documents that provide instructions on how your assets should be distributed upon your death. You can also use estate planning tools to nominate guardians for your young children, manage your finances and even your health...
Testamentary capacity as a ground for disputing a will
We live in a very litigious society. A will that is meant to take the guesswork out of the picture regarding what you want to happen to your estate when you die can become the subject of a costly legal battle. There are legitimate grounds upon which a will can be...
Signs of forgery in a person’s will
Some suspicious names surfaced as beneficiaries to your father’s estate. You suspect dishonesty and forgery are behind it. Someone took advantage of your vulnerable father and is attempting to steal your inheritance. As long as you have an interest in the estate, you...