Will Contests

Unfortunately, sometimes the real conflict begins after a person passes away.

Will contests and trust disputes often arise when family members believe something was wrong with the creation, amendment, or administration of an estate plan. These cases are rarely just about money. They usually involve grief, long-standing family dynamics, questions about fairness, and concerns about whether a loved one’s true wishes were actually reflected in the documents.

Disputes may involve issues such as:

• Undue influence

• Lack of mental capacity

• Fraud or forgery

• Improper execution of estate planning documents

• Breach of fiduciary duty

• Trustee misconduct

• Disputes between beneficiaries

• Challenges involving powers of attorney or financial exploitation

Not every disagreement justifies litigation, and not every estate plan should be challenged. At the same time, there are situations where concerns are legitimate and deserve serious attention. These cases require careful analysis of the facts, medical history, family relationships, financial records, and the circumstances surrounding the preparation of the documents.

Will and trust disputes can be emotionally exhausting and financially disruptive for families. Whenever possible, practical resolution and efficient problem-solving should remain part of the conversation. But when litigation becomes necessary, clients deserve clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and honest assessments about the strengths and risks of their case.

Whether representing beneficiaries, fiduciaries, or other interested parties, the focus remains the same: protecting the integrity of the process and working toward a resolution that is grounded in both the law and the facts.