If you have an elderly loved one, it is likely that you will want to ensure that they have all of their affairs in order. You probably won't want to ask too many questions about their estate plan for fear of intruding. But it is normal to have concerns about the way that they are managing their estate.
How can I recognize undue influence in an estate plan?
A will is valid only when certain steps are understood, followed
Your mother has just died, and the executor fills you in on the specifics of her will. You're surprised at some of the details you hear. Was this really what she wanted? Is this a valid will?
Consider whether to challenge a will or trust
If a loved one has recently passed away in the state of New York, you will have a lot to process. It is likely that you will experience a mixture of emotions. In addition to the grieving process, there will also be administrative tasks to manage, e.g., the administration of the estate.
Divorcing in New York? Review estate plan before divorce is final
When you are in the midst of a divorce, you'll get plenty of advice from friends and family to change your estate plan when the divorce is final.
Your estate plan can stop family disputes before they start
No one wants to think about creating their estate plan, but it's essential. We owe it to our families to spell out our final wishes, so they don't endure any problems as they cope with the death of a loved one.
James Brown’s estate is still in limbo
One of the most important goals in planning an estate is preventing the surviving heirs from having to litigate certain issues. If a will is not legally sound, then relatives or beneficiaries may enter prolonged legal battles over the estate.
The problem of 'undue influence'
A phrase that comes up frequently in estate litigation is undue influence. It is the accusation that one party took advantage of another's frailty to defraud or steal from them.