A Few Things To Keep In Mind When Estate Battles Brew

Nobody wants to worry about an estate battle since fights of that type tend to turn loved ones into enemies as well as costing a fortune. But if storm clouds are on the horizon here are some steps a person can take to prepare for the worst:

• Make records of anything suspicious that could be expected to part of a challenge to the estate. Be it the mental decline of a parent to suspicious activity by an estate administrator it is always best to document what occurs.
• Always consult with an attorney when it becomes clear that a legal challenge is in the stars. An early consultation will put a person in the best position since preemptive action will get a person ahead of the issue. In addition, legal council may put other actors in the drama on notice and cause them to move with greater caution before taking drastic action.
• Avoid social media when it comes to estate litigation. Every post can find it’s way into the courtroom and turn the tide in a close case especially when what was said online is inflammatory or threatening.

See Will Sleeth, 4 Steps To Take If An Estate Dispute Is Brewing, LeClair Ryan, March 1, 2016.