Lafayette Estate Litigation Blog
4 elements of undue influence in California
Many states do not have specific statutes or definitions regarding undue influence regarding estate planning. However, according to the American Bar Association, California recognized that lack, and two research studies subsequently revealed that although the term...
3 things to know about contesting a will
Sometimes the death of a loved one brings about turmoil. This is especially true if your family member had a large estate. People may not always be happy with the final wishes of the deceased, and this can lead to contesting a will. If you feel that you need to...
How can you spot problems with your chosen executor?
When you are setting up your estate plan in California, one of the most important things you choose is your executor. You can choose almost anyone to be an executor of your will, but you most likely want to choose a close friend of family member that you can trust....
What is financial elder abuse and who commits it?
According to MedicareAdvantage.com, elderly adults in the United States lose an estimated $36 billion to financial fraud, scams and exploitation each year. Though the numbers vary from source to source, experts suspect that an estimated 37% of American seniors have...
How do I recognize signature forgeries?
The vast majority of wills are accepted by courts without challenge. However, for various reasons, wills are challenged by family members or other beneficiaries of a decedent, usually because they suspect something is wrong with the will. In some cases, a will written...
How should an executor prepare a home for sale?
Some California residents decide that their homes should be sold after they pass away. The task of selling the home falls upon the executor of the estate. Family members who are concerned about the home of their loved one being sold as quickly as possible should have...
How manipulative people con the elderly
When someone uses undue influence, perhaps to alter an estate plan in their favor, they often do it by manipulating the elderly person to change the plan. They want it to look official. They want it to look like the plan reflects the elderly person's true wishes....
Beneficiaries have a right to be notified when probate opens
When a loved one passes, many California residents may anticipate receiving something from the estate. You may have had your eye on a particular object that would remind you of your loved one, or you may have expected that he or she left you a considerable portion of...
Do you have good reason to challenge a will?
While the majority of wills pass through probate without any problems, there are times when someone steps in to contest this legal document. If you're interested in challenging a will, it's important to understand the most common reasons for doing so. This will help...
Stan Lee’s former manager facing multiple elder abuse charges
No matter how wealthy and famous an elderly person is, they can become the victim of financial and other types of elder abuse. In fact, having money often makes people particularly attractive targets. According to authorities, Stan Lee, who created iconic superheroes...
