5 Reasons You May Contest a Will

When dealing with the final wishes of a loved one who has recently passed, it can be difficult to separate emotions from what needs to be done. Fortunately, you can seek the aid of a skilled and empathetic St. Louis estate planning attorney who can act as an objective third party. Additionally, an attorney can… Continue reading

When dealing with the final wishes of a loved one who has recently passed, it can be difficult to separate emotions from what needs to be done. Fortunately, you can seek the aid of a skilled and empathetic St. Louis estate planning attorney who can act as an objective third party. Additionally, an attorney can help advise you on the possibility of contesting a will, in the event that you believe executing a will would not be in the best interest of the deceased or the friends, family, and/or business partners left behind. Here are five reasons to contest a will that may shed light on your current situation.

  1. In order to be valid, a will must be written, witnessed, and executed in the state where the testator had legal residence (owned property, conducted business, paid taxes, etc.). Each state has different requirements both for legal residency and execution of wills.
  2. Mental Capacity. A will can be declared invalid if a person can prove that the creator of the will was suffering from mental illness, dementia, or was under the influence of a mind-altering substance when enacting their will.
  3. Under most state laws, a person must be at least 18 to create a legally valid will. Some states make exceptions for minors who are married or in the military.
  4. If a person creates a valid will, and then several months later drafts another signed, dated, and witnessed will, the newer document will supersede the older one in a court of law.
  5. A will must be signed in the presence of at least two (more in some states) witnesses. Often, those witnesses must not be named as beneficiaries in the will.

These are just some of the reasons behind everyday estate disputes. Are you considering the possibility of contesting a relative or partner’s will? A St. Louis estate planning lawyer from Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C., can help. Fill out our contact form here to schedule your free legal consultation today.

Things To Look For in a St. Louis Estate Planning Lawyer

Planning your estate is a complicated but ultimately crucial step in ensuring that your assets and treasured possessions will be taken care of after you are gone. The first step in this process is finding a competent and experienced St. Louis estate planning lawyer who will help guide you through the legal aspects of safeguarding… Continue reading

Planning your estate is a complicated but ultimately crucial step in ensuring that your assets and treasured possessions will be taken care of after you are gone. The first step in this process is finding a competent and experienced St. Louis estate planning lawyer who will help guide you through the legal aspects of safeguarding your estate. You’d be surprised at how much money accurate legal knowledge can save you and your heirs in the long run. But how do you choose the right attorney? Read on to learn more about what to look for in a St. Louis estate planning lawyer.

Planning an estate encompasses a whole range of topics, from end-of-life care to tax planning to multigenerational trusts. It is therefore extremely important that you seek out an estate lawyer who has experience in the field. It should be a great comfort to you knowing that your final wishes are being handled by a knowledgeable professional.

When searching for the right attorney to handle your estate, you also want to pay attention to accessibility. When making contact, do you have an easy or difficult time making an appointment? At your initial meeting, are your questions answered completely? Do you feel put at ease or more anxious after you leave? You want to hire an attorney who will make things easier, not burden you further. Personal comfort is very important to the estate planning process, and should not be overlooked when searching for the right attorney.

Ready to begin putting your final wishes in order? Contact an experienced St. Louis estate planning lawyer today at the law offices of Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C. Schedule an appointment by calling our offices at (618) 656-5150 or (314) 241-6566, and we will be happy to assist you.