Will Contests

Challenges to Wills

People make wills with the hope that their heirs can avoid disputes over money and property. Despite their good intentions, people who write a will are often creating the perfect backdrop for family disputes. When heirs or people who think they should have been heirs challenge the terms of a will, the damage they do to family harmony can be permanent.

Developing creative solutions in will contests

At our Southern California law office, our attorneys represent people in will contests. We have many years of experience with this type of litigation. We have been particularly successful when we have been able to develop creative solutions to will disputes. Avoiding lengthy and costly trials often helps restore family tranquility.

Reasons for a contested will

For more information about will contests, contact an attorney at Russakow, Ryan & Johnson. From our Pasadena and Orange County offices, we represent plaintiffs and executors, as well as lawyers who draft wills. We have seen will contests undertaken for reasons such as:

• Lack of testamentary capacity
• Charges of fraud, sometimes involving young women marrying much older men
• Charges of undue influence
• The existence of a more recent will
• Lack of proper witnesses
• The existence of natural children
• Poorly drafted wills

Attorneys who know probate litigation

At Russakow, Ryan & Johnson, we help people involved in will contests and people who are contesting the will. Because of our familiarity with the probate process and with all types of probate litigation, our attorneys are well placed to advise clients on the possible outcome of their case. Contact us to talk about your options when contesting a will.