When someone passes away, and they have a will, a majority of the estate headaches should be avoided. Unfortunately, problems do arise from time to time. When they do, estate litigation attorneys can help get the situation back on track. If someone you love has passed away, and you're facing problems with the estate, it might be time to bring in legal representation. Estate battles aren't something that you want to face without an attorney. Here are four situations that will require legal assistance.
The Will Was Changed without Your Knowledge
If you've recently discovered that the will was changed without your knowledge, you need to seek legal representation. This is particularly important if the will belonged to an elderly person, and you suspect that elder abuse was behind the changes. The elderly are especially vulnerable to manipulation and persuasion. Unfortunately, that can result in changes to wills and estates that family members are unaware of until it's too late. If your loved one made significant changes to their will shortly before passing away, speak to an estate litigation attorney as soon as possible.
You're Owed Money from an Estate
When it comes to settling estates, debts are usually settled first. That's to make sure that creditors are compensated for their financial losses. If you were owed money by the person who passed away, and you're worried that your debt will not be honored, you need an attorney by your side. Your attorney can help make it easier for you to get the money that you're entitled to through the estate.
A Power of Attorney Has Abused Their Power
If your loved one designated a power of attorney before they passed away, they probably anticipated that the person with the power of attorney would follow their wishes. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Occasionally, those who have been left with the power of attorney usurp their authority and do things that undermine the integrity of the estate. If you're worried about the way the power of attorney is being used, you need an attorney right away.
You're Not Receiving Your Rights As a Beneficiary
If you're entitled to a portion of the estate, but you're not receiving that portion, it's time to hire an attorney. There are times when trustees don't follow the guidelines that were put in place in the will or trust. When that happens, you – the beneficiary – can suffer needlessly. Don't let that happen to you. If you're being denied access to money or assets that are rightfully yours, you're going to need an estate litigation attorney.
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