Losing a loved one can be one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives. It is a time when you need the support of friends and family. Unfortunately, this can also be a time when you discover that your loved one changed their will, and you find that something is amiss with it. Maybe the terms seem uncharacteristic of your loved one, or you discover that they made changes just before they passed during a time when they were ill, confused, or not thinking clearly. If you are in this situation, it is time to consider speaking with an Alameda County contested wills lawyer who could help you understand your options.
At Hackard Law, our estate litigation attorneys help people who are struggling with more than just grief. We work with clients who are facing difficult truths about choices their loved ones made without their knowledge, especially when there is reason to believe that those choices had unethical or illegal motivations. If you believe your loved one lacked the mental capacity to change their will or that someone pressured them into doing so, you may have grounds to contest the will.
If you believe that something is wrong with the will, you may have to contest it. Contesting a will means going to court to challenge whether the court should accept a will as valid under California law. While courts generally try to honor a person’s wishes after death, there are times when a person’s documents do not reflect what they truly intended.
In Alameda County, a family might want an attorney to contest a will for several reasons, including:
If your loved one was experiencing memory loss, confusion, or serious health issues at the time the will was changed, it is reasonable to ask whether they actually understood what they were doing. A contested will case could explore those questions through medical records, witness statements, and a legal review of the document itself.
A will contest usually begins after one submits the will to a probate court. If you believe the will is invalid, you could file a petition with the court to challenge it. From there, the case may involve gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, reviewing medical history, and presenting your position to a judge.
These cases can be difficult. They often involve close relatives, conflicting stories, and longstanding family dynamics. That is why it is important to work with a lawyer who not only has experience with estate law in Alameda County but also with litigating contested wills.
At Hackard Law, we focus on trust and estate litigation, and we understand the difference between a legal disagreement and a deep betrayal. We take these cases seriously because we know how consequential they are. You are protecting not just an inheritance, but your loved one’s dignity and intentions. We also represent clients on a contingency fee basis in these matters, which means that unless we win your case, you do not need to pay us. We believe everyone deserves access to strong legal help, especially when facing something this personal.
If something about your loved one’s will seems strange, if it does not reflect who they were or what they always said they wanted, it is okay to question it. You do not have to handle those doubts alone.
At Hackard Law, we are here for people who are navigating uncertainty and seeking guidance. Our team has years of experience helping clients resolve serious estate disputes with compassion, skill, and strength. Call Hackard Law today for a free case evaluation with an Alameda County contested wills lawyer and learn how we could help you protect your family’s integrity.
(916) 775-8542