Most people assume that anybody can contest a will, but that isn't the case. Probate laws specify that only "interested parties" may challenge a will. There are only select individuals that fall into this category. Who has the legal standing to contest a will?...
Estate Planning & Probate Litigation
What can you do if a parent’s will showed favoritism?
You and your two siblings expected to get significant assets from your parents when they passed away, but you also expected those bequests to be equal. For the sake of simplicity, say that your parents had $1.5 million after taking care of costs and debts. You all...
You can challenge a will if you have the right grounds
If you have a loved one who has passed away, then something you may be interested in doing is contesting a will. If you believe that your loved one was manipulated or not in their right mind when they last updated their will, then you may have a case for contesting...
When should you suspect ‘undue influence’ with a will?
Your mom’s death wasn’t exactly unexpected, but it still hit you hard. Then you found out that you were virtually cut out of her will. Aside from some small mementos, almost everything was left to your sibling Is it unfair? Without a doubt. Did something underhanded...
Can your stepmother challenge your father’s will for more money?
Blended families are common in modern America. Some blended families form when people die and their spouses get remarried. Other blended families form after a divorce. As a child of a blended family, even if you were an adult when your parent remarried, it may have...
Here’s Why It’s Time To Update Your Estate Plans
Your estate plans are important. Your will directs the disposition of your assets after your death and sets arrangements for the care and well-being of your minor children. Your estate plans may also include tax mitigation strategies that will benefit your heirs and...
When does a power of attorney go into effect?
Like most people who are considering their estate plans, you're thinking about the future. There may come a time when you're not able to handle your own financial affairs or make your own medical decisions. Yet, the thought of giving anybody too much control over your...
Will your will cause a family feud? Plan ahead to avoid one
If you have more than one, you may be struggling with what you plan to leave to each. It can be difficult to get a true even split of your assets and personal items even when that is your goal. Also, for various reasons, that might not be what you are trying to do...
Why everyone needs a will (and more)
You're a young millennial, still footloose and fancy-free. No spouse, no dependents. It's quite likely that estate planning is the furthest thing from your mind. You have years to worry about things like that once you actually acquire some worldly assets.Here's why...
Things nobody warned you about as an executor
Being the executor of someone's estate feels like an honor, so you naturally accepted -- but you had no idea about the trouble that you were about to face.Most people have no idea what to expect when they're serving as someone's executor. They typically anticipate...
