What is estate litigation and when do you need an attorney?
Estate litigation is a legal process that can be used to resolve disputes that arise after someone dies. These disputes can involve the administration of the estate, the distribution of assets, and any other issues that may have arisen as a result of a death. An estate litigation attorney can help you resolve these disputes and ensure that your rights are protected.
How can an estate litigation attorney help you resolve disputes after a loved one dies?
When someone close to you dies, the last thing you want to deal with is a dispute over their estate. Unfortunately, in many cases, this is often what happens. Without an estate litigation attorney on your side, resolving these disputes can be very difficult and it may even seem impossible. An estate litigation attorney can help by:
– Investigating the circumstances surrounding the death
– Determining whether there is any merit to the claims being made against the estate
– Negotiating with the other party or parties involved in the dispute
– Filing and litigating a claim on your behalf, if necessary
An estate litigation attorney can also help if you are the one being accused of wrongdoing. In these cases, an attorney can help you by:
– Investigating the claims being made against you
– Determining whether there is any merit to the claims
– Negotiating with the other party or parties involved in the dispute
– Defending you in court, if necessary
No matter what side of an estate dispute you are on, having an experienced estate litigation attorney by your side can make all the difference. Without an attorney, you may be at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding and navigating the legal system. An attorney can level the playing field and give you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
What are some common reasons why people end up in estate litigation?
There are many different reasons why people may find themselves involved in estate litigation. Some of the most common reasons include:
– The decedent did not have a will: If the person who died did not leave behind a will, their estate will have to be divided up according to state law. This can often lead to disagreements among family members about how the assets should be divided.
– The decedent left behind a will that is contested: Even if the person who died did leave behind a will, that does not mean that the distribution of their assets will go smoothly. If there are people who contest the will, it can lead to litigation.
– The decedent was not of sound mind when they made their will: If it can be proven that the person who died was not of sound mind when they made their will, the will may be declared invalid. This can often lead to disputes and disagreements among family members about who should inherit the estate.
– The executor of the estate is not doing their job: The executor of an estate is responsible for carrying out the instructions in the will. If they are not doing their job properly, it can often lead to disputes.
Determining when to hire an estate litigation attorney can be a difficult decision. The best time to consult with an attorney is when there are disagreements among family members about the distribution of assets, or when someone feels they have been wrongfully denied their inheritance. If you are experiencing any of these issues, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced estate litigation attorney to discuss your options