Unnatural Beneficiaries: Can You Contest Your Loved One's Will?

If your deceased loved one leaves most of their estate to an unnatural beneficiary or someone who isn't in your family, you may choose to contest the will right away. But if the unnatural beneficiary threatens to fight your right to contest the will, you may back down and allow them to keep your loved one's estate. Don't give up just yet. You can fight for your loved one's estate with the right estate litigation help. 

What's an Unnatural Beneficiary?

Although most people leave their belongings and estates to family members after death, some individuals don't. Some individuals choose to leave everything they own to unnatural beneficiaries or non-relatives. Non-relatives, such as caregivers and household personnel, can receive a deceased person's entire estate through the individual's last will and testament.

Adults can leave their assets, homes, and other properties to any beneficiary of their choosing. However, some adults suffer from illnesses that may affect their mental acuity and state of mind. Some individuals may use an elderly person's declining mental state and health to financially exploit them over time. The individuals may even convince the elderly to place them in their wills.

If you think someone exploited your loved one for money and other wealth, speak to a litigation lawyer today.

How Do You Fight an Unnatural Beneficiary?

The first thing an attorney may do is check your loved one's bank accounts for strange or excessive activity. Some people can exploit the elderly by repeatedly taking money from their bank accounts or by using their bank cards to make large purchases online. If an attorney detects problems with your loved one's financial accounts, they may look for other signs of elderly exploitation.

The next thing a litigation attorney may do is investigate the beneficiary's background. If the individual's background contains legal problems, such as elderly abuse or criminal activity, an attorney may use the information to contest your loved one's will. 

A lawyer may also interview the individual's previous employers to obtain additional details about them. Employers often keep written records of their staff or employees in their human resource offices, including disciplinary records. If the unnatural beneficiary has a history of on-the-job theft and other unsettling crimes, an attorney may uncover it through their investigation.

The information above may be enough to help you contest your loved one's will. 

You can learn more about contesting your loved one's will by contacting an estate litigation lawyer today.


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