Challenging a will is a complex legal matter, and often an emotionally charged process. If you find yourself in a situation where you believe a will is either fraudulent or invalid, understanding the steps on how to contest a will is crucial to protecting your rights. This guide also provides a roadmap to navigate the legal landscape when creating your will.
Grounds for Will Contests
A will contest (also known as a will caveat) is a formal legal procedure where an individual (the contestant) disputes the validity of a deceased’s will (the testator) in court. The goal is to alter the distribution of assets or invalidate the will entirely.
Common reasons for contesting a will include:
- Undue Influence: This occurs when a person manipulates or coerces the testator into changing the will to benefit themselves or others.
- Lack of Testamentary Capacity: If the testator lacked the mental capacity to understand the implications of their actions when creating the will, it may be declared invalid.
- Fraud: This occurs when someone other than the alleged testator creates the will.
Who Can Contest a Will?
Not everyone can contest a will. You must have legal standing, meaning a direct financial interest in the outcome of the will. Additionally, each state has a time limit to file a contest – in North Carolina, you must file the contest within three (3) years of the admittance of the will to probate. The burden of proof lies with the contestant, who must provide evidence supporting their claims.
Those who can contest a will include:
- Interested Parties: This includes beneficiaries named in the will or those who would inherit under intestacy laws (if there were no will). They must demonstrate a legitimate claim to the estate.
- Spouses: Generally, spouses have the right to contest a will regardless of their inclusion if their distribution is less than they are statutorily entitled to under the Elective Share.
- Children: In some cases, biological, adopted, and stepchildren may contest if they were inadequately provided for or excluded entirely. However, there is no right to inherit from a parent in North Carolina, so exclusion alone is unlikely to be adequate grounds for a caveat.
How to Contest a Will
Contesting a will is an intricate legal procedure requiring meticulous attention to detail. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
- Identify Grounds: Collect preliminary evidence to substantiate your case that the will is invalid due to fraud, duress, or lack of capacity.
- Petition Filing: The initial step is filing a caveat with the clerk of the superior court to be entered into the estate file. This document outlines the reasons for contesting the will and includes supporting evidence.
- Transfer to Superior Court: The clerk then transfers the case to the superior court for a trial by jury and all interested parties in the caveat are served notice of the proceeding.
- Evidence Gathering & Case Building: Success hinges on gathering strong evidence to support your claims. This may involve documents, witness testimonies, or expert opinions. Building a compelling case requires thorough investigation and meticulous preparation.
It’s important to remember that contesting a will is a serious legal process. It’s recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced attorney specializing in probate law. They can provide the necessary expertise and help navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Preventing Will Contests
Will contests can be emotionally taxing and legally complex. To ensure your wishes are honored and minimize the risk of contests, consider these preventative measures:
- Meticulous Estate Planning: Seek guidance from an experienced estate planning attorney who can navigate legal complexities and ensure your will is properly drafted and executed. While North Carolina law does not require notarization for a will to be valid, having a “self-proving” will where the signatures of the testator and the witnesses are notarized can be an asset in your will prevailing against any caveat proceedings.
- No-Contest Clauses: Including these clauses in your will discourages challenges. A no-contest clause states that any beneficiary who contests the will and loses forfeits their inheritance. The inclusion of these clauses is not fool proof in North Carolina, but they can serve as a deterrent to anyone looking to file a frivolous caveat.
- Clear and Unambiguous Instructions: Clearly state your intentions and wishes in your will to avoid misinterpretation. Detail asset distribution, name beneficiaries, and appoint an executor to minimize confusion and disputes. An experienced estate planning attorney can assist you in disinheriting beneficiaries in a respectful but clear manner.
- Honest Conversations with Family Members: Letting your family know that you have created a will, and that your intentions are accurately represented in it can be helpful in setting reasonable expectations upon your death.
By taking these proactive steps and implementing sound estate planning strategies, you can safeguard your will from contests and ensure your final wishes are respected. Consulting with an estate planning attorney, incorporating no-contest clauses, and providing clear instructions are all essential steps in protecting your legacy.
Our estate planning attorneys at Manning Fulton prioritize drafting wills that are concise and legally sound to minimize the risk of future challenges. Please contact attorney Danielle Fuhrman if you are looking to draft an estate plan to protect your interests and ensure your wishes are clearly outlined.
If you are currently facing a will contest or need to file a will caveat, contact one of our estate litigation attorneys. We have represented defendants in will cases that are published by the N.C. Court of appeals and have had cases dismissed by way of summary judgment.