One of the main reasons to establish a comprehensive estate plan is to eliminate or reduce the potential for disputes. However, even the best estate plan isn’t 100% foolproof. Disputes and conflicts will arise during probate, over power of attorney, or a living will, etc. When a dispute does occur, it’s crucial to work toward a resolution as quickly as possible. One of the best ways to do so is to hire a Roanoke trust and estate litigation lawyer.
At MichieHamlett, our attorneys have experience handling a wide range of disputes. We represent beneficiaries and heirs who have conflicts, as well as personal representatives and other fiduciaries who’ve been accused of some type of wrongdoing.
Common Types of Roanoke Trust and Estate Disputes
There are numerous reasons disputes can arise related to some aspect of estate planning or probate. Some of the most common disputes we handle include:
- People being left out of a will
- People being included in a will that shouldn’t
- Disputes over the amount of compensation that the executor should receive
- Disputes over how the will was drafted
- Disputes related to fraud
- Will challenges due to lack of capacity or undue influence
- Disputes over distribution, administration, or management of a trust
- Challenges over executor’s duties
- Disputes over lack of formal accounting
- Requests to have executor or trustee removed
- Lawsuits related to non-probate assets such as insurance policies, joint bank accounts, etc.
- Power of attorney disputes
- Request to modify or terminate a trust
As you can see, disputes that fall under trust and estate litigation are wide-ranging. You should not attempt to handle any one of these disputes independently. Instead, contact our skilled team of Roanoke trust and estate litigation lawyers who can help.
Resolving Estate Litigation Disputes
Unfortunately, disputes are inevitable in these situations. However, whenever emotions and money are involved, people can change. Not all disputes and conflicts are selfish or greedy in nature.
In some cases, interested parties have legitimate concerns about the deceased being taken advantage of. That often leads to challenging a will because of undue influence. Older people are easier victims for unscrupulous people looking to latch on to someone they can take advantage of. Sometimes, it’s other family members, but many other times it’s healthcare workers or newer friends the deceased made. These people coerce the victim into changing their will later in life, writing out close family members in favor of the undue influencer.
Proving undue influence is hard but not impossible. You need a skilled Roanoke trust and estate litigation lawyer who understands how these cases work. If you believe a loved one was taken advantage of by another family member, health care worker, or another person in a trusted position, let us help.
Contact a Roanoke Trust and Estate Litigation Lawyer
Disputes revolving around trusts, advance directives, power of attorney documents, wills, etc., can be challenging to resolve. Trying to resolve these issues on your own can create additional problems as the dispute drags on. It can also deplete the estate’s assets in some cases as well. Let our Roanoke trust and estate litigation attorneys help as we can work toward resolving these disputes as quickly as possible. Contact MichieHamlett Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.