How Long Do I Have to Contest a Will?
After someone passes away, their surviving loved ones might have issues with their will , especially if they think it’s not valid. That’s why some beneficiaries or surviving family members choose to contest a will. If survivors want to contest a will, they must do so within a certain timeframe, which is called the statute…
Who Has the Right to Dispute a Will?
After a person passes away, their will designates who will receive assets from their estate. Wills can be challenged, but not by just anyone. Will contest laws vary from state to state, and even within each state, laws change over time. In Tennessee, someone can only contest a will if: They’d be considered a beneficiary…
What Is Undue Influence?
One of the most important legal concepts in estate disputes is undue influence. Though some legal concepts are complicated, undue influence is straightforward. The hard part is proving it in an estate dispute or will contest. Let’s look at what this term means, how it might apply to estate disputes, and what you need to…
Warning Signs You’ve Been Cheated Out of Your Inheritance
Your inheritance is about more than just finances. It’s also about fairness, legacy, and birthright. Losing a loved one is hard enough—but realizing that you’ve been cheated out of your inheritance can be devastating. There are a few common signs that your inheritance will be or has been unfairly taken away from you. As estate…
How to Find Out Who the Executor of an Estate Is
After a loved one passes, surviving family members are forced to deal with complicated legal processes. There are legal considerations for which assets need to be distributed, how debts are paid, and who executes the will. The party executing the will is called an executor. One of the most important aspects of a will is…
What Is the Difference Between a Probate Dispute Lawyer and an Estate Lawyer?
Whether you’re planning your own estate or disputing the distribution of the estate of a loved one you believe was handled incorrectly, it’s helpful to know some of the terms you’re likely to encounter. Unfortunately, the legal field has a serious problem with jargon, and that can make things complicated for everyone who isn’t an…
How to Contest an Estate if There Is No Will
When someone is considering contesting an estate of a loved one when a will doesn’t exist, they generally will be contesting the probate process. This process can be complex if you aren’t familiar with it, and few people have an in-depth understanding of how it works. However, we can simplify what’s involved in contesting a…
How Do I Find an Attorney to Help Me Contest a Will?
When you’re involved in an estate dispute, it’s important to hire a lawyer; but you also need to be sure that the lawyer you hire knows what they’re doing. Searching for and hiring a will contest attorney might seem like an intimidating process, but it doesn’t need to be. We have a few practical steps…