Top Berkeley, CA Contesting a Will Lawyers Near You
3478 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 1000, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
333 Bush St, 11th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
100 Pine St, Ste 1250, San Francisco, CA 94111
111 Deerwood Road, Suite 200, San Ramon, CA 94583
555 Twin Dolphin Dr, Suite 200, Redwood City, CA 94065
5700 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Suite 390, Pleasanton, CA 94588
50 California St, Suite 3300, San Francisco, CA 94111
50 California St, 21st Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111
1939 Harrison St Ste 290, Oakland, CA 94612
315 Montgomery St, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
1901 Harrison St, Suite 910, Oakland, CA 94612
177 Post St, Ste 600, San Francisco, CA 94108
2465 Discovery Bay Blvd, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94505
1101 Marina Village Pkwy, Ste 201, Alameda, CA 94501
1350 Treat Boulevard, Suite 410, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
1401 N Broadway, Suite 200A, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
44 Montgomery St, 38th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
650 California St, Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94108
101 2nd St, Suite 2200, San Francisco, CA 94105
650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-2669
535 Mission St, 25th Fl, San Francisco, CA 94105
900 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
333 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94104
1001 Country Club Dr., Suite F, Moraga, CA 94556
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