Top Berkeley, CA Contesting a Will Lawyers Near You
215 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127
100 Pine Street, Suite 1250, San Francisco, CA 94111
560 Mission Street, Suite 3100, San Francisco, CA 94105
2950 Buskirk Ave., Suite 300, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
333 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 700, Redwood City, CA 94065
2 Embarcadero Ctr, Ste 430, San Francisco, CA 94111
2140 Shattuck Ave, Suite 605, Berkeley, CA 94704
1999 Harrison St, Suite 1800, Oakland, CA 94612
428 Molimo Drive, San Francisco, CA 94127
2855 Mitchell Dr, Suite 105, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
29 Orinda Way, # 569, Orinda, CA 94563
1108 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
11720 San Pablo Avenue, Suite C, El Cerrito, CA 94530
71 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
1300 Clay Street, Suite 600, Oakland, CA 94612
5075 Hopyard Road, Suite 210, Pleasanton, CA 94588
613 First Street, Suite 202, Brentwood, CA 94513
44 Montgomery Street, Suite 2950, San Francisco, CA 94104
3030 Ashby Avenue, Suite 107, Berkeley, CA 94705
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1210, Oakland, CA 94612
1320 Solano Avenue, #203, Albany, CA 94706
One Embarcadero Center, 30th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111
181 2nd Avenue, Suite 218, San Mateo, CA 94401
950 Tower Lane, Suite 925, Foster City, CA 94404
423 Washington Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94111
Berkeley Contesting a Will Information
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What Are Will Contests?
While a last will and testament can make it easier to distribute assets to loved ones upon passing, it can still lead to conflict among beneficiaries or people who were left out. If you suspect that there was a problem with a loved one’s will, you can challenge its validity in court. You must prove that the will did not meet certain criteria when the decedent created it.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Lawyer To Contest a Will?
There are certain grounds for contesting a will’s validity. You should talk about your options for contesting a will with a lawyer if you suspect that the decedent:
- Was not of sound mind when they made the will
- Signed the will under duress, undue influence, or coercion
- Created a fraudulent will
- Created a will that did not follow California’s laws
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With Contesting a Will?
A lawyer who is experienced in will contests will be able to guide you through the process of drafting a strong claim in probate court. They will know what evidence to look for that a will could be considered invalid.
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Lawyer To Help Contest a Will?
Navigating probate court and will contests is an extremely complex process. A court will not simply take you at your word that the decedent was influenced by someone else and that you “deserve” certain assets. Without a lawyer it will be difficult to build a strong, credible claim that you are a rightful beneficiary.
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find an Estate Planning Lawyer in Berkeley?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case well. Many lawyers offer free consultations that allow you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- How have you handled cases like mine?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
- What is the timeline for completing my estate plan?
- What is your billing and fee structure?
- How long have you been practicing in California?
- What will my involvement be during the process?
Tips for Hiring an Estate Planning Lawyer
Finding a lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests is an essential first step in managing your defense and protecting your rights. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts