Once someone passes away, is a will set in stone? The short answer is no. The will enters probate, where all aspects of the will go through a legal process to be vetted and approved.
Sometimes, the probate process can be quick and easy. Other times, when the will is contested, it can take a long time to be approved through probate.
How to Contest a Will for Fraud
When you learn about a fraudulent aspect of a will, it is best to hire a lawyer and work through the process to prove fraud.
One way to find fraud in a will is if the creator of the will was coerced into adding someone as a beneficiary. Older adults are subject to elder fraud, and this is one way that scammers target seniors.
Here are some examples of senior will scams:
· A scammer who convinces the elderly person that they are a long-lost child or cousin
· A romance scam where someone pretends to be in love with an older adult to be added to the will
· Someone posing as a distant family member in dire need of money
· A nurse or caretaker that coerces your family member to add them to the will in exchange for good care
If you suspect anyone getting close to your loved one with ill intentions, it’s best to investigate before your elderly family member passes away.
If they have already passed away and you are just learning about a new beneficiary added to the will, work with a lawyer to contest the will for fraud.
You can prove that the relationship was formed close to the death of your loved one, and you can also speak with witnesses to confirm any lies that were told.
Contact a Trusted Lawyer
Miles & Hatcher, LLP, is ready to help you contest a will. Watching your elderly loved one being taken advantage of and scammed can be excruciating. Make things right by contesting the will and removing any fraudulent beneficiaries from the document.
Call to book your first appointment: (909) 481-4080.