Estate plan disputes in court are more common than many realize, and for good reason. From wills and trusts riddled with ambiguity to unexpected heirs feeling left out, these conflicts can turn what should be a moment of closure into a prolonged legal battle.
This article explores the primary reasons estate plan disputes head to court, helping you recognize warning signs and implement strategies to safeguard your estate plan and preserve family harmony.
Unclear Language in Legal Documents
When testators use vague or ambiguous phrasing in wills or trusts, it creates wiggle room for interpretation. That lack of clarity often triggers estate plan disputes in court, as beneficiaries and executors battle over what the deceased actually meant.
Incorrect or Outdated Beneficiary Designations
Estate planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” process; a beneficiary left unnamed or a designation forgotten can mean someone is excluded. Those excluded beneficiaries often resort to filing claims, escalating estate plan disputes to the courtroom.
Suspicion of Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity
In many cases, a beneficiary believes another party improperly influenced the decedent, or that the decedent lacked mental capacity when the will or trust was created. Those suspicions often result in estate plan disputes in court, where judges must determine the document’s legitimacy.
Conflicting Beneficiary Claims
Particularly in blended families or cases involving multiple trusts, conflicting interests can emerge. Beneficiaries may dispute overlapping provisions, leading to litigation and further fueling estate plan disputes.
Poor Communication with Heirs
Misunderstandings and feelings of exclusion can arise when testators fail to explain their decisions. Without clear communication, what could have been a simple clarification becomes an estate plan dispute in court.
