Was your loved one's will signed in a state of incompetence, under duress or undue influence? Or, does another family member assert that this is the case, and you disagree? Talk to a knowledgeable Raleigh will contest attorney as soon as you suspect the possibility of a will contest — regardless of which side of the will contest you are on.
Can a Will Contest Be Averted?
Early intervention is often helpful for the sake of preserving family relationships. Full-blown, drawn-out will contests have a way of poisoning family ties and leaving connections between brothers and sisters, step-mothers and step-children, or other family relationships damaged or broken. Prompt discussion of concerns with an experienced Raleigh will contest attorney may help prevent litigation altogether while also preserving family ties.
When Is a Will Contest Appropriate?
On the other hand, you may have a strong conviction that you are right and your legal adversaries are wrong — and you may believe or understand that the stakes are high. You may need to bring a lawsuit (will contest), or you may need to defend yourself against accusations from a friend or family member.
An in-depth investigation may bring to light one or more of the following:
- The will is valid and asset distribution should proceed as the will is written.
- The decedent was sincere and lucid when he or she made the decision to leave everything to charity and little or none to family members.
- The will was signed under duress or under undue influence and should be thrown out.
Contact a North Carolina Will Dispute Lawyer
At Crawford & Crawford, LLP, we pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients' best interests. We aim to serve clients in Raleigh and throughout eastern North Carolina. We offer knowledgeable counsel and representation in will contests and other varieties of estate litigation.
