If a loved one’s will is poised to enter probate and you discover that a substantial amount of money has been left for the care of a family pet, it probably is not a misprint or a basis to challenge the will due to lack of capacity. Instead it is likely evidence of a...
PROVEN LEGAL COUNSEL
For Estate Planning, Estate Administration And Disputes
Month: January 2018
The surprising breakdown of foreign property purchases
If you are considering purchasing real estate in the United States, you may be surprised if you meet resistance. The recent flood of foreigners purchasing residential property in cities like New York has some observers complaining. Apparently, foreign investors have...
Questions surrounding mental incapacity in will contests
To bring a successful will contest, it is important to know the basic requirements for a will to pass probate in New York state. Essentially, a valid will must exhibit mental capacity by the testator (the person making the will), testamentary intent (exhibited by the...
The emerging trend in medical office buildings
With our population aging, demand for quality health care will not be abated anytime soon. This ostensibly is why more health care mergers will be seen in 2018. Another expectation on the horizon is a continued focus on providing medical office space near residential ...
How to avoid probate if possible
If you are an executor or have a loved one whose estate is ripe for disputes among beneficiaries, the prospect of going through probate may not sit well with you. After all, the notion of heirs and other beneficiaries fighting over pieces of a person’s estate is not...
How to recognize a forged will
In our last post, we highlighted a few signs that a will could be forged. Forgeries are a critical legal basis for will contests. If a will is found to be forged, it could be held to be invalid because the forgery does not accurately or legally express the testator’s...
What to look for if you suspect your loved one’s will is forged
It is natural to be skeptical about a will that distributes property in an unconscionable manner. If an elderly loved one inexplicably leaves a majority of their estate to someone they hardly know, a new advisor with a sketchy past or a new, significantly younger...