Contested Wills in Euclid, Ohio

Find the right Contested Wills attorney in Euclid, OH

It is permitted, in Euclid, Ohio, to go to court and claim that a will is invalid, in some cases. This is called a Will Contest.

Occasionally, testators leave out of their wills people who might normally expect to inherit a large portion of the testator's estate (spouses, for example). This might lead them to assume, correctly or not, that the will was a mistake.

If a lot of money, or some specifically valuable property, is at stake, the person who was left out might want to go to court and allege that the will was invalid. When left out of a will, a family member might naturally assume that some kind of mistake has been made, whether this is actually true or not.

Nonetheless, this is a matter that should not be approached lightly - will contests can often 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 Euclid, Ohio?

There are various reasons that an Euclid, Ohio court might hold a will to be 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 typically 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. Also, 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 reason why a will might be invalid is the maker of the will being mentally incompetent at the time the will was made. In order to make a legitimate will, the individual making it must have enough of his or her mental faculties to understand what they're doing, and the consequences of it.

If an Euclid, Ohio will is successfully challenged and thus invalidated, there has to be some system for orderly distribution of the decedent's property. Usually, 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 Euclid, Ohio Contested Will Attorney Help?

Because this can involve complicated legal issues, and be very emotionally draining, this is not something you want to go at alone. A reputable lawyer in Euclid, Ohio can be very helpful in making sure that this process goes as smoothly as possible.

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

Life in Euclid

Euclid is located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio It is considered to be in the greater part of Cleveland. Per the 2010 census, it is home to 48,920 people.

Popular sites to visit include the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame. the Lincoln Electric Company, Euclid Beach Park, and the Softball Hall of Fame.

There are approximately one hundred and fifty companies in Euclid. To support such businesses, and of course local residents, the legal force in Euclid is strong. Many attorneys live and practice law in Euclid. These attorneys practice in all areas and dedicate themselves to provide excellent, personalized legal services.

Overall, Euclid is a wonderful city to live in or visit. Although it is considered a part of the greater Cleveland area, it has the small town appeal!

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