Top Costa Mesa, CA Contesting a Will Lawyers Near You
At Stone & Sallus, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of our business and real estate clients in Los Angeles and El Segundo.
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I have been practicing in this area for the past 13 of my 35-year legal career. I find this work especially rewarding.
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701 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866
1900 Avenue of the Stars, Eleventh Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067
21700 Oxnard Street, Suite 370, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
21250 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 500, Torrance, CA 90503
22642 Lambert Street, Suite 402, Lake Forest, CA 92630
25910 Acero, Suite 150, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
4695 MacArthur Court, 11th Floor, Newport Beach, CA 92660
4 Park Plaza, Suite 420, Irvine, CA 92614
19800 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612
21323 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 100, Malibu, CA 90265
790 East Colorado Boulevard, Suite 350, Pasadena, CA 91101
5 Upper Newport Plaza Dr, Suite 107, Newport Beach, CA 92660
515 South Figueroa Street, Suite 2060, Los Angeles, CA 90017
20241 SW Birch St, Suite 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660
5308 Alhama Drive, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
15464 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
11400 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90064
2601 Ocean Park Blvd, Suite 324, Santa Monica, CA 90405
11424 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
707 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 4825, Los Angeles, CA 90017
21600 Oxnard Street, Suite 1110, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
1 Park Plaza, Suite 900, Irvine, CA 92614
623 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90402
2001 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 420, Santa Monica, CA 90403
100 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 700, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa?
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