As a responsible adult, you took the time to create an estate plan. The goal was to help ensure your family knew your wishes and that they would be carried out after you passed away. Unfortunately, the legal system allows some people to contest your will. While there...
Will Contests
Did they leave you out of their will on purpose or just forget?
Money is never going to make up for the loss of your parent, but receiving something in their will can at least bring a smile to your face. It could help you clear debts, treat yourself to a holiday or put a deposit on your first house. Discovering your parent left...
Why family members might challenge your will
Tensions can run high after a family member has passed away. Coping with the loss of a loved one can be difficult enough, without adding the extra pressure of legal disputes. Sadly, family disputes related to estate plans are fairly common in the U.S. Not only can...
3 medical conditions that cause will challenges based on capacity
Adults have the legal right to create their own will or estate plan under Ohio law. Once someone reaches adulthood, they theoretically have the legal authority to enter into binding contracts and make crucial legal decisions for themselves. Sometimes, adults can...
What can you do if you suspect undue influence?
As someone with an elderly loved one, one of the most frustrating things to deal with is suspecting that someone is negatively influencing your loved one’s choices. Your family member may have created a will that fairly distributed their assets in the past, for...
Why did you only get $1 in the will?
When your parents’ will was read, you expected to get similar assets as your siblings. However, you were shocked to find out that you'd been left much less money. In fact, your parents had only left you a single dollar. You were perplexed. Why would they do something...
You can challenge a will on grounds of fraud
There are several reasons why a will can be contested. And fraud is one of them. If the will does not reflect the testator’s true wishes, it may be possible to dispute the document on grounds of fraud. The law defines fraud as intentional deception intended for...
3 things you should know before you contest an Ohio will
There are some very good reasons to contest someone’s will -- and you may feel that you’re on solid ground with your objections, both legally and morally. Before you begin, however, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind: You need to act quickly There...
Three mistakes that can set your will up to be contested
Winding up a deceased person’s estate is necessary from both legal and emotional standpoints. Loved ones need the closure that comes with wrapping up the deceased’s earthly possessions so they can move through the grieving process. And this includes attending to the...
Can you contest a will with a no-contest clause?
Your mom dies and leaves everything she and your dad built up together to Brad, her new boyfriend. While you are happy that Mom found happiness with a 21-year-old croupier after dad died, you are not so delighted at being cut out of the will. What is more, you are...