3 Ways To Plan For Your Estate Litigation Consultation
When a family member dies, the will is often one of the most contentious issues that arise. Who gets what? How are assets distributed? These questions can cause a lot of friction within a family, and sometimes it's difficult to come to an agreement. If your family is fighting over the will, it's important to get legal help.
A lawyer can mediate between family members and help them reach a resolution. Here's what your estate litigation attorney wants you to know before your first meeting.
Make Sure You Have a Copy of the Will
Your lawyer will need to see the official will your loved one left behind, so make sure you have it. If you don't have a copy, your attorney can help you get one. You can reach out to the executor of the estate if you are uncertain as well.
There are a few reasons why the lawyer needs the will. First, they need to verify that you are entitled to contest the will. In some cases, only certain family members or beneficiaries have the right to do so.
The lawyer will also use the will to get an idea of what your loved one wanted and how their assets should be distributed. This can help them better understand your case and what you need to bring to the litigation process.
You May Need to Have Some Hard Conversations
Be prepared to discuss your relationship with the deceased and any other relevant family members. You may need to get into some of the painful components of your relationship, including a falling out or any difficult junctures in your relationship. This will give the lawyer a complete understanding of the issues at hand.
Your lawyer will want to know if there are any potential conflicts of interest. For example, if you are contesting the will because you feel like you should have gotten more assets, but you are also the executor of the estate, that could be seen as a conflict.
You Should Gather Your Own Financial Records
You should also be prepared to discuss your financial situation. This includes your current job, your debt, and your assets. Your lawyer will need to know this information to get a complete picture of your case. You should bring statements that back up your claims as well.
Schedule Your First Consultation With an Estate Litigation Attorney
If you are fighting over a will, it's important to get legal help. An estate litigation attorney can mediate between family members and even litigate cases when necessary.
Contact an estate litigation lawyer for more information.
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