Q&A

Who can contest a legal will?

Who can contest a legal will?

Children, including adult children, those under 18 and adopted children. Step children are eligible to contest the will if they were dependent on the testator. Grandchildren, as long as they were at least partially dependent on the deceased are eligible to contest a will.

Can you challenge a legal will?

Can a will be contested? Yes, although the person contesting the will must be a spouse, child, cohabitee or a person who is expressly mentioned in the will, or a previous will. The person must also ensure they have valid legal grounds to contest a last will and testament successfully.

Who Cannot challenge a will?

Not everyone can challenge a will. In addition, you cannot contest a will just because you do not believe you received a fair share. According to basic probate laws, only “interested persons” may challenge a will – and even still only for valid legal reasons.

What happens if I do not have any legal rights?

This means that you have no legal rights as a result of this title. This can create difficulties if you haven’t put additional measures in place to manage your relative or loved one’s affairs. If you do not have any legal rights, you cannot make decisions on their behalf.

What should I do if my next of kin does not have legal rights?

If you do not have any legal rights, you cannot make decisions on their behalf. If you wish for your next of kin to have the power to make decisions for you and be able to manage your financial affairs during your lifetime then you need to appoint them as your Attorney (s) under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPAs).

When to challenge an executor or trustee of an estate?

During this time legal and tax issues may develop and disputes result. When an executor or trustee profits from or abuses his or her position, fails to communicate and disclose information to beneficiaries he or she may have breached their fiduciary duty to both the estate and its beneficiaries.

What can an attorney do for my brother?

An attorney can take steps, including primarily filing proper petitions in court, to help protect your rights. This process may put your brother’s actions into focus under the oversight of a judge with power to force your brother to act as required by law.

Can a judge force my brother to act?

This process may put your brother’s actions into focus under the oversight of a judge with power to force your brother to act as required by law. You are going to need your own probate attorney ASAP, Retain an attorney before you talk with your brother further.

What should I do about my brother’s estate?

Under the law, your brother has various duties and obligations regarding the trust and the estate. However, if nobody is watching his actions, then he will likely do what he wants and it could be very difficult to undo much of that. An attorney can take steps, including primarily filing proper petitions in court, to help…

Can a sibling be appointed to a probate court?

In other states, probate is required if there was a will, regardless of the size of the estate. If your parents’ state allows for collection of personal property by affidavit for small estates, your sibling may not need to be appointed by the court.