Who Can Contest A Will After Death
When a loved one passes away, a will is meant to provide clarity about how their assets and property should be distributed. Unfortunately, not every will is free from disputes. All the more reason to contact a Chicago, IL wills lawyer you can trust. At Kravets Law Group, we have over 10 years of legal experience. We’ve helped clients with wills, living trusts, and more – and we’re ready to help you next. Read on to learn more about contesting a will, and contact us today to get started.
Who Has Legal Standing To Contest A Will?
As your Chicago wills lawyer can explain, the term “standing” refers to the legal right to challenge a will in court. Typically, standing is limited to individuals who are directly affected by the outcome of the will. This often includes close family members such as spouses, children, or parents.
Beneficiaries who are named in the current will also have standing to contest it. For example, if someone is included in the will but believes that certain provisions were added under suspicious circumstances, they may challenge those portions in court.
Common Reasons For Contesting A Will
Having standing to contest a will is only one part of the process. The person challenging the will must also have valid legal grounds for doing so. One common reason is undue influence, which occurs when someone pressures or manipulates the person creating the will into making decisions so they can secure assets which otherwise wouldn’t have been left to them. If you suspect this is the case, you should contact an inheritance lawyer as soon as you can.
How The Process Works
When someone decides to contest a will, they must file a formal challenge in the probate court where the will is being processed. The court will then review the case and determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed.
If the court finds that the will is valid, it will move forward with distributing the assets as written. If the court finds problems with the will, it may be modified or even thrown out entirely. All the more reason to work with a Chicago wills lawyer you can trust.
Why Legal Guidance Is Important
Challenging a will can be complicated and emotional, especially when family members are involved. Your last will lawyer can provide guidance on whether you have standing and help build a strong case by gathering evidence and presenting it effectively. These cases often involve strict deadlines and specific legal requirements, so having support throughout the process is valuable.
Moving Forward After A Dispute
At Kravets Law Group, we represent individuals and families who need wills as part of their estate plan – and we also work with families to address disputes with care and professionalism. Our goal is to help you protect your interests while respecting the memory of your loved one. Contact us today to see how an inheritance lawyer from our team can make a difference.