Contested Wills in Commack, New York

Find the right Contested Wills attorney in Commack, NY

It is possible, in Commack, New York, to go to court and claim that a will is invalid, in some cases. This is called a Will Contest.

Sometimes, testators leave out of their wills people who might naturally expect to inherit a substantial portion of the testator's estate (spouses and children, for example). This might lead them to assume, truthfully or not, that the will was some kind of mistake.

If a considerable amount of money or property is being given away, the person left out of the will could reasonably conclude that the cost and time of a court challenge is worth it.

However, this is a matter that should not be approached lightly - will contests can frequently foster strife and infighting within families who are already mourning the loss of a loved one. This can permanently damage or alter family relationships.

When Can a Will be Contested in Commack, New York?

Of course, a Commack, New York court will not invalidate a will without a very good reason, but there are some cases which render a will clearly invalid.

To be valid, a will must be a product of the testator's own free will. So, a will that the testator was forced or tricked into making is not valid, if the probate court finds out about the duress or trickery. Of course, wills are normally made many years before a person dies, so how can a person expect to prove duress or fraud if they suspect it? To begin with, it's not easy. It is possible, however. First of all, it's good to have as much documentation of the testator's affairs as possible. Any written statements concerning their desires on this matter will also be very useful, if there are any. Additionally, if the suspect gift is totally out of left field (property is left to someone that you know the testator didn't like, or barely knew, for instance), this might also support your position that the will was invalid. Of course, the testator can leave his or her money to whomever they want, so these facts, by themselves, will not be enough to prove fraud or duress.

Another thing to consider is the mental capacity of the person making the will. If, at the time the will was made, the testator was insane or severely intoxicated, the will is likely to be held invalid by a court, if the underlying facts can be proven.

If a Commack, New York will is successfully challenged and therefore invalidated, there has to be some system for orderly distribution of the decedent's property. Typically, if a will is held invalid, all of the property will be treated as if the decedent had never written or will. This means that it goes to the decedent's closest living relative, or, if there are not relatives who can be located, the state.

Can a Commack, New York Contested Will Attorney Help?

Contesting a will is often challenging, and never fun. However, the whole process can be made more bearable if you have the help of a knowledgeable Commack, New York attorney, and the process will probably be much more manageable.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Commack

Commack, New York gets its name from its former Indian inhabitants, the Secatogue tribe who named the area, "Pleasant Land." And pleasant is an apt word to describe Commack, which is a lovely city home to just under 40,000 residents. In the early days of Commack, indians gathered in the area because of the fertile soil, wildlife, and wood to make fires.

Commack, New York is a pleasure to explore for residents and visitors alike. In 2006, a local radio station rated the Commack Motor Inn as one of the seven wonders of Long Island. Rosie O'Donnell and Bob Costas are just a few of the celebrities that once called Commack home.

Commack, New York is also home to many talented lawyers who are able to assist the community with any legal issue they may find themselves encountering. Lawyers specializing in family law, estate planning, contract law, and employment law are just a few of the areas that Commack lawyers can assist their clients with. Commack is a great place to live and a great place to find a competent attorney.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH