What To Do If An Inheritance Dispute Arises

Losing a loved one is never easy. We miss their smile, their laughter and the person who we loved immensely. But this loss can become even more difficult when there is fighting because of the will. Estate litigation often happens when the beneficiaries disagree with the terms of the will. What should you do if an inheritance dispute arises? One essential piece of advice is to hire an estate litigation attorney to protect yourself and what is to be your assets.

If An Inheritance Dispute Arises

We all want to fulfill the last wishes of a loved one who has passed away. The problem is, sometimes, we interpret the will differently than someone else. Or we may feel that the will is wrong and believe the deceased person wanted to leave their assets differently than what may be written. This situation is doubly hard if you happen to be the administrator of the will and a dispute arises.

The most common reasons that someone may dispute a will are:

• Validity of a document. A beneficiary may contest the will if someone changes their will but does not do it properly and legally. A will is a legal document, and there should be specific wording and laws to follow when writing or updating a will.
• Mental capacity or Influence. If a beneficiary believes that the will was written when someone was not ‘in their right mind’ or if that person was under strong influence, they may contest the will.
• Interpretation of the document. If the wording of a will is not clear and concise, there may be some confusion about what each beneficiary receives.

When writing your will, most inheritance disputes can be avoided by working with an experienced estate planning attorney. But if you find yourself in a dispute over a will, you want to contact an estate litigation attorney.

Working With An Estate Litigation Attorney

This attorney understands the laws regarding a will or trust and can help you fight for what is rightly yours. Sometimes, a third party needs to step in and settle the dispute among family and loved ones. At Estate and Probate Legal Group, we understand the laws of a will or trust, and we can be by your side when the dispute goes to court.

Oak Brook Estate Planning Attorney

If you are involved in a contesting of a will, an experienced estate litigation lawyer can advise you on the best options for your situation. To talk to a qualified attorney in Chicago or Oak Brook, contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at 630-864-5835. 

Areas we serve: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties.