Contested Probate
Contested Estate Planning Documents
Wills | Trusts | Powers of Attorney
An estate planning document may be contested for a variety of reasons:
- There may be concerns that a beneficiary had undue influence over the deceased, or that the decedent made decisions or changes under duress from a potential heir
- There may be concerns about the mental capacity of the deceased at the time the will was executed—the deceased may have been mentally unstable, suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, or have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- There may be concerns about fraud or misrepresentation—the deceased may not have known what he or she was signing
- The document may not have been legally executed—It may not have been properly signed or witnessed
If you have concerns about the validity and the circumstances surrounding the execution of an estate planning document, you want an experienced lawyer to protect your rights.
At the Law Office of Bonnie Lawston, we bring more than 20 years of experience to people throughout Suffolk County and Nassau County on Long Island. We have extensive trial experience and are never afraid to take your case to a judge and jury to get the outcome you want.
A breach of fiduciary duties can often lead to contested probate. For more information, visit our breach of fiduciary duties page.
Our Representation in Estate Contests
Though we will help you challenge the validity of a power of attorney and trust, we focus our practice on will contests. We’ll carefully gather and evaluate all evidence in your case, and will aggressively protect your interests in all hearings or proceedings.
Ancillary Proceedings
Probate & Estate Administration (Will)
Inheritance Rights
Estate Administration & Trust Litigation
Out of State
client services
Intestacy Estate Proceedings (No Will)
Out-of-State Executor Attorney
If you are a fiduciary (executor, administrator, or trustee), an heir or a beneficiary of a New York estate, we can assist you. In fact, we represent clients nationwide. We can help you If the decedent died in New York or has assets in New York State. If you are chosen to represent the estate or if you are receiving an inheritance from a New York estate, contact our law firm today.
There Are Two Types of New York Estates
- The decedent resided in NY at the time of death and their domicile is in New York at the time of death.
- There are assets located in NY at the time of death, and an ancillary proceeding is needed even though the decedent may have died elsewhere,
Find out more information about out-of-state probate help.