Undue influence in estate disputes

On Behalf of | Feb 11, 2022 | Will Disputes |

As individuals in Pennsylvania and elsewhere set out to create a strategy for their futures, they may be tasked with making numerous major decisions. Should they be swayed or influenced by another party during this time, their decisions might not accurately reflect their true wishes or long-term interests. Undue influence continues to be a common cause of dispute in estate planning and such issues could create various concerns and leave loved ones in in search of advice on how best to approach the situation.

Undue influence

Experts indicate that undue influence may occur when another party takes measures to influence the decisions a person makes while creating an estate plan. This person may have a close relationship with the testator and may use this relationship to sway or influence choices. This may lead to minor changes in choices, or the coercion may even have a significant impact over the decisions one makes.

Should a person make decisions while under coercion, the estate plan might not reflect his or her true wishes. Family members who believe that a loved one was subjected to undue influence may even wish to take steps to protect against such treatment, or to challenge the outcome thereof. However, even if there are signs of undue influence, contesting a will or trust can still be a complex process.

Estate disputes

Undue influence continues to play a major role in many estate disputes and those who encounter similar issues might not always know how best to handle the situation. When facing similar forms of conflict, a person in Pennsylvania could benefit from retaining the services of an experienced attorney for advice in navigating the process. An attorney can address all a client’s questions and concerns and help prepare a strategy with which to safeguard his or her interests and seek the best outcome achievable through the appropriate channels.