Can a Will Be Contested After Probate?
The assurance that comes with a will detailing a loved one's final wishes is, unfortunately, sometimes met with uncertainty, especially when doubts about its validity surface after probate. Can a will be contested once the probate process is complete? This is a concern for many, stirring doubts and seeking clarity on whether...
How Can I Prove Fraud in a Will?
When suspicions about a will's legitimacy surface, it can cast a shadow over what should be an expression of a person's final wishes. Proving fraud, which can range from forgery to undue influence, is a complex challenge filled with emotional and legal hurdles. Understanding the intricacies of estate law in Virginia...
What Is the Role of an Executor?
An executor plays a central role in managing and distributing the assets of a deceased individual according to their will. This responsibility includes overseeing the deceased's financial obligations, ensuring debts and taxes are paid, and assets are distributed to the designated beneficiaries. Understanding the duties and legal obligations of an executor is...
What Are the Grounds for Contesting a Will in Virginia?
After a loved one's passing, resolving concerns about the validity of their will can be both complex and emotional. In Virginia, the law outlines specific grounds for contesting a will, including questions about the testator's mental capacity, undue influence, fraud, improper execution, and revocation. These provisions ensure the deceased's true intentions are...
Can I Contest an Inheritance? When & How to Challenge Bequests
Contesting an inheritance is a legal challenge that arises when individuals believe a will or bequest does not accurately reflect the decedent's intentions due to issues like fraud, undue influence, or lack of testamentary capacity. This process requires individuals to present valid grounds for their claims within a specific timeframe, emphasizing the...
Understanding Will Contests in Virginia
Will contests in Virginia arise when there's doubt over whether a will truly represents the deceased's intentions, typically because of questions surrounding its validity. Understanding the legal basis and the necessary steps for a will contest is essential for those thinking about pursuing this option, to ensure the estate is distributed fairly...
What is a Codicil (How to change your Will)
People are reluctant to write a will because they think they can never change it. A will is not forever. It can be changed by a new document called a Codicil. As long as the person has a normal state of mind, the Will can be changed. This applies even if the...