When someone close to you dies, the last thing you expect is to question the fairness of their will or trust. You may feel confused, left out, or even betrayed, especially if changes to the estate plan do not make sense. In some cases, those changes are not just surprising, they are legally questionable.
If you believe something is not right, speaking with an Alameda County will & trust contest lawyer could help bring clarity and protect your rights.
Our skilled estate litigation attorneys at Hackard Law represent people in difficult estate disputes. Our focus is trust and estate litigation, and we are here for clients who suspect wrongdoing, undue pressure, or manipulation in the handling of a loved one’s estate. This type of case can be complex, and you should not have to face it alone.
A will or trust contest is a legal challenge that asks the court to set aside all or part of an estate plan based on specific legal grounds. California law does not allow contests simply because someone is unhappy with what they did or did not receive. There must be a legal reason to believe the will or trust is invalid.
Here are some common reasons to contest a will or trust:
If you have questions about any of these factors, our Alameda County attorneys could evaluate your loved one’s will or trust and tell you whether legal action to contest it is justified. Every situation is different, and careful review of the facts is essential.
One of the most difficult things for families to face is the possibility that someone pressured a loved one into rewriting their will or trust. This often occurs secretly when the person is vulnerable and isolated. A new caretaker, a family member, or a friend may take advantage of the person and convince them to exclude others or redirect assets.
Often, the person changes their will or trust when they are elderly or in declining health. Sometimes, the person suddenly removes long-standing heirs from their will or trust or leaves a large portion of their estate to someone unexpected. You should not ignore these signs.
If you think someone unduly influenced your loved one to change their will or trust, our knowledgeable lawyers in Alameda County could investigate the situation and determine whether you should mount a legal challenge.
Taking legal action is not disloyalty to your loved one. In many cases, you are working to honor their true intentions. If you were previously named in the will or trust or are entitled to inherit under California law, you have the right to ask questions and seek answers.
Litigating an estate issue involves court filings, evidence gathering, and often difficult conversations. That is why having experienced legal representation is critical. If you retain our law firm, we could begin preparing your Alameda County will or trust case immediately and help you make informed decisions throughout the process of contesting it.
We know how emotional these cases can be, and we approach them with professionalism and compassion.
It takes strength to speak up when you suspect wrongdoing. If you believe that someone has taken advantage of your loved one or unfairly changed their Alameda County trust or will, our dedicated legal team could help you contest the document. We could review the facts and take meaningful action to protect what is right.
Do not delay if you are concerned about the handling of an estate. Contact an Alameda County will & trust contest lawyer at Hackard Law today to schedule a free case evaluation. We handle these matters on a contingency fee basis. If we do not win your case, you do not pay us.
(916) 775-8542