What people should know before contesting a will

On Behalf of | Feb 8, 2021 | Will Disputes |

When your loved one died in Pennsylvania, you were shocked to learn that you weren’t included in their will. If you were close to this person while they were alive, you might suspect foul play. You might even suspect that one person in particular pressured your loved one to rewrite their will before they died. However, there are a few things you should consider before you take any action.

What should people know about will contests?

Will disputes can be incredibly stressful for all parties involved. If someone interfered with your loved one’s estate planning, they might do anything to keep you from exposing them. This could include launching a counter lawsuit, forcing you to testify in court, questioning your relationship with the decedent and claiming that you just want money. You might walk away wishing that you never filed a lawsuit in the first place.

If you’re thinking about hiring an estate litigation attorney, you’ll have to act as soon as possible. Most states only allow will contests within a limited time frame. If you miss your chance, you won’t be able to contest the will later on. This can interfere with your grieving process and take time away that you could have spent with your family members.

Are will contests worth the financial and emotional cost?

Disputing a will can be a lengthy and emotionally draining process. However, it might be worth the effort if you have reason to suspect that someone tampered with your loved one’s will. An attorney could help you file a lawsuit against the other party and defend yourself from potential legal challenges. If successful, you might be able to settle out-of-court and receive a monetary sum that you wouldn’t have received otherwise.