A will is an extremely important document. It allows one to declare his or her wishes for the future. Often, many important assets are involved in a will– as a result, the deceased’s loved ones will likely want to make sure that the will is valid and legally sound. As a result, a beneficiary may contest a will if he or she believes the will to be invalid. Below are a few reasons one may contest a will.
The Will Was Created Under Undue Influence
A beneficiary may believe that the creator of the will was subject to the influence of another party. For example, the creator of the will may have been coerced, either wittingly or unwittingly, to make certain decisions. This can be difficult to prove, so you will need the help of a skilled estate planning attorney.
The Will Has Been Forged
This does not occur often, but in some cases, a will has been forged or tampered with.
There are Multiple Wills
Sometimes, the deceased has multiple wills, and the beneficiaries need help determining which will is valid.
How Do I Prove the Above?
In order to prove any of the above, you will need the help of an experienced estate planning attorney. An estate planning attorney can examine documents, financial statements, and more in order to determine the validity of a will.
What Happens if a Will is Found Invalid?
If a will is found to be invalid, and there is no backup, the will can be thrown out and the assets may instead be distributed by the state of Michigan.
How do I Make Sure my Will is Valid?
The best way to ensure that your will is valid is to create it with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney. If you attempt to create a will on your own, you run the risk of making mistakes that can lead to legal problems down the line.
If you or a loved one is interested in contesting a will, reach out to our firm today to discuss your situation. Additionally, if you are ready to begin the estate planning process and would like to create a will, contact our skilled estate planning attorneys today.
Contact our Firm
Sometimes, divorce, family, and estate matters are difficult to navigate. Fortunately, they do not have to be with the assistance of a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney who is willing to guide you every step of the way. If you need a seasoned firm to help you with any divorce, family or estate-related matter, please do not hesitate to contact Collis & Griffor today to schedule a consultation.
