A loved one’s legacy can ease the pain of loss by reminding heirs of a departed family member’s enduring love. But when questions arise about the validity of testamentary documents or the management of estate assets, uncertainty can arouse animosity and prevent closure. If you, as a beneficiary, suspect that a will or trust does not reflect the wishes of the deceased, you have a right to challenge the proceedings in court. Similarly, if you believe an executor, trustee or estate administrator is mismanaging the assets of the estate or a trust, you have standing to raise that issue. On the other hand, an executor, trustee or estate administrator is entitled to a vigorous defense against accusations of incompetence or unlawful conduct. John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. provides highly professional representation for aggrieved beneficiaries and accused fiduciaries in estate and trust disputes.
There are several bases for challenging the implementation of testamentary documents. These include:
Many probate and trust disputes stem from suspicions that a particular individual took advantage of the declining health or dementia of the deceased to insinuate himself into the will to the detriment of the rightful heirs. The court looks very harshly on this type of elder exploitation. However, it is important to note that disappointment is not grounds for an heir to challenge a will or trust. All challenges must be supported by reliable evidence.
The executor of a will, administrator of an intestate estate or the trustee of a trust is a fiduciary with a legal duty to manage the assets of the trust or estate according to the testator’s wishes and for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The fiduciary must perform at a professional standard so that assets are not lost due to waste, fraud, misallocation or mismanagement. Beneficiaries may challenge deliberate or negligent misconduct and demand a full accounting. I have vast experience on both sides of trust and estate controversies. I have close associations with forensic accountants who can render accurate assessments of asset management and help us assemble evidence to prove or rebut allegations.
Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they wish to keep a family dispute within the family. However, the court may treat your suspicions lightly if you raise them without a professional presentation and a firm basis in the law that an attorney can provide. Moreover, a seasoned attorney who has been through such negotiations before is likely to produce a settlement that satisfies all parties and allows the proceedings to move forward at less cost to the estate.
Conflicts among beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and fiduciaries can be very destructive without experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel. John B. Whalen, Jr. Esq. provides capable representation for beneficiaries and fiduciaries throughout Pennsylvania. Call today at 610-999-2157 or contact the office online to schedule a consultation at my Wayne office.
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John B, Whalen, Jr., J.D., LL.M. is an AV Peer Review Rated Preeminent Attorney and Counselor at Law and is Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb Mr. Whalen has spoken for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Delaware County Estate Planning Council, and has had his legal articles and blogs published by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania Law Weekly, the Martindale.Com website, the Lawyers.Com website, and the Avvo.Com website. Mr. Whalen provides free initial home consultations seven (7) days per week, including all evenings, weekends, and holidays.
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