Lombard, IL Attorneys for Contested Wills

DuPage County Estate Planning Lawyers

In the aftermath of the death of a family member or a close friend, adding to the stress and confusion is the last thing you want to do. When something is truly wrong, however, you should not be expected to sit back and let it go unaddressed. Such is often the case with questionable wills; you may realize something is not right but are afraid of causing trouble. At A. Traub & Associates, we are equipped to help you tell whether your situation would amount to a petty annoyance or a legitimate will contest to ensure the true wishes of the decedent are carried out.

Grounds for Contesting a Will in Illinois

You cannot mount a will contest simply because you do not like the provisions of the document as it stands. Contesting a will means that you believe the will is invalid and should be set aside. Probate courts in Illinois can invalidate a will if you, as the petitioner, can show that:

• The decedent was unduly influenced by someone during the will's creation;
• The decedent lacked the ability to understand what he or she was creating—known under the law as testamentary capacity;
• The will, in part or its entirety, is a forgery, or was illicitly altered; or
• The decedent signed the prepared will without knowledge of the terms it contained.

Proving any of these grounds can be extremely difficult since the law presumes no undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity without definitive evidence and testimony.

Responsible Estate Administration Lawyers Serving Downers Grove and Elmhurst

At A. Traub & Associates, our knowledgeable attorneys firmly believe that every person has the right to develop an estate plan as he or she desires. When you believe that a will of a family member or loved one does not reflect what he or she truly wanted, we are ready to put our experience to work for you. By listening carefully to what you have to say, then conducting a full review of all relevant documents, we can help you understand the implications of contesting the will. If you decide to proceed, we will remain at your side every step of the way, keeping you fully up to date on the case's progress. Your rights and those of your decedent are important to us, and we stand ready to advocate on your behalf.

To learn more about contesting a will, contact the Lombard office of A. Traub & Associates. We will explain your options and provide you with an honest analysis that can help you make informed, responsible decisions. Call 630-426-0196 to schedule your introductory consultation today. Our firm is proud to serve the estate planning and administration needs of clients in Lombard, Wheaton, Naperville, Elmhurst, and all throughout DuPage, Kane, Will, and Cook Counties.