Top O'Fallon, IL Contesting a Will Lawyers Near You
Our skilled lawyers will create a customized estate plan tailored to your family’s needs. Handle the entire process online from the comfort of your home or visit one of our offices
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25 Professional Park, Suite B, Maryville, IL 62062
Other Nearby Offices
Assisting with Contesting a Will issues in O'Fallon and across Illinois.
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101 W. Vandalia St, 3rd Floor, Edwardsville, IL 62025
101 West Vandalia St, Suite 220, Edwardsville, IL 62025
302 N Elm St, Highland, IL 62249
102 Executive Drive, Highland, IL 62249-1269
140 N Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
779 Wall St, PO Box 1563, O'Fallon, IL 62269
325 South High Street, Belleville, IL 62220
23 Public Square, Suite 300, Belleville, IL 62220
1405 N Green Mount Rd, Suite 300, O'Fallon, IL 62269
1000 Eleven S, Suite 4G, Columbia, IL 62236
105 West Vandalia Street, Suite 400, Edwardsville, IL 62025
720 W. Main Street, Suite 150, Belleville, IL 62220
105 W Vandalia St, Suite 475-A, Mark Twain Plaza III Bldg, Edwardsville, IL 62025
105 W Vandalia St, Suite 100, Edwardsville, IL 62025
521 W Main St, Suite 300, Belleville, IL 62220
36 West Main Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258
Mark Twain Plaza I, 101 W. Vandalia Street, Suite 200, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Richland Executive Plaza, Suite 100, 521 W Main Street, Belleville, IL 62220
2300 South Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062
3517 College Avenue, Alton, IL 62002
307 Henry Street, Suite 415, Alton, IL 62002
5 Park Place Professional Centre, Swansea, IL 62226
130 East Main Street, PO Box 587, Carlinville, IL 62626
217 S. Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025-1921
O'Fallon Contesting a Will Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Contesting A Will attorneys in O'Fallon and checks their standing with Illinois bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
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 Illinois’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 O'Fallon?
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 Illinois?
- 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