Monroe Estate Litigation Lawyers

Union County Will Contests Attorneys

Disputes over the distribution of an estate or the handling of a trust can cause rifts in families and stress for everyone involved. However, if you suspect an estate is being mishandled or if you are being accused of improperly handling assets, it is important to hire a knowledgeable attorney to protect your interests.

At Caldwell Helder Helms & Robison, our Monroe estate litigation attorneys have been helping clients from our community for more than 50 years. We have built a reputation in the community for personal service and zealous representation of our clients. Our attorneys can help you contest a will, bring an action for breach of fiduciary duty or defend you from accusations of improperly appropriating funds.

Hire an experienced attorney to handle your estate litigation. Contact our estate litigation law firm to discuss your case.

Contesting a Will

If you believe you have unfairly been left out of a loved one's will, or if you believe the probated will is fraudulent, our lawyers can help you contest the will. We have helped countless clients contest wills for of a variety of reasons, including:

Undue influence: This occurs when a family member or caregiver exerts influence on the decedent to get him or her to change a will.
Duress: Similar to undue influence, a will can be contested when decedents act against their nature when altering their estates in response to the improper actions of another person, such as threats.
Mental incapacity: A will cannot be properly created if the decedent lacked mental capacity at the time the will was signed. If the decedent was insane or mentally incompetent, we will bring an action to contest the will for you.
Improper execution: Every will must be properly signed and witnessed. When this is not the case, we will fight to have the will invalidated.
Forgery or fraud: If you believe the will was never signed by the decedent, we can assist you in contesting the will.

The attorneys at our firm will investigate the circumstances surrounding the creation of the will. We will work to protect you interests in the estate.

Breaches of Fiduciary Duty

Trustees and representatives of estates have a fiduciary duty to the estate they are handling. Since they are dealing with money and assets, they are held to a high level of accountability and honesty. As an outsider, however, it can be hard to know when his or her duty is being breached.

There are many ways for trustees or representatives to breach their duties, including:

Improperly investing funds to the detriment of the beneficiaries
Distributing assets to beneficiaries incorrectly or not within a reasonable time
Misappropriating trust or estate assets for personal use
Paying themselves an excessive fee for their services

If you suspect a trustee or representative has breached his or her duty, we can represent you. Our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your claim, help you understand your options and assist you in bringing an action for breach of fiduciary duty.

Whether you suspect a trustee or representative of breaching his or her duty or if you are accused, we can represent you. Contact our Union County will contests attorneys to learn more about estate litigation.