Estate Litigation – Loss of a Family Member Conflicts

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When dealing with the loss of a family member, there can often be conflict or tension with other people who were also involved with the deceased. In such cases, estate litigation issues may arise because certain people may feel that they have not received a fair portion of the estate or they claim that other people took advantage or put pressure on their loved one. Estate litigation claims affect or involve all beneficiaries, trustees or executors.

When Does an Estate Litigation Claim Arise?

An estate litigation claim may arise to deal with a number of issues, including:

  • claims suggesting that the deceased/will-maker lacked mental incapacity when making a gift in a will;
  • elder abuse arising from undue pressure or influence that have resulted in unfair or inequitable bequests;
  • disinheritances of children or spouses that may or may not be upheld by a Court;
  • insufficient or unfair bequests to children and spouses; and
  • contested trusts.

Resolving the Issue

Estate litigation often increases conflict and tension between family members. For this reason, although it may not always be possible, it is important to resolve these issue as quickly as possible. Instead of litigating these claims in Court many families choose to resolve an estate litigation issue through alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation.

 

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