ESTATE LITIGATION AND RELATIONSHIPS

Everyone knows that there are more important things in life than money. However, when we feel aggrieved, it’s often hard to remember that, especially after the death of a loved one. This sometimes leads to poorly thought out estate challenges after someone does not receive an expected inheritance.

There is no doubt that it hurts when you do not receive the inheritance you expected and think you deserve. Before deciding to challenge the estate, however, take a few moments to consider the consequences. Your relationship with the people who did receive the inheritance will never be the same. They will have to fight you over what they perceive as their rightful inheritances. In many, if not most cases, the relationship is damaged irreparably. Sometimes, other family members who do not have a stake in the outcome are forced to choose sides and your relationship with them could be damaged as well.

That’s not to say that you necessarily should not challenge an estate, if you did not receive the inheritance you hoped to receive. You just need to consider all of the consequences. By all means, you should get what you deserve, especially if there has been fraud involved in an estate plan, but do know what you are in for before you proceed.