When a loved one dies, it’s always tragic, and the surviving members are left at a loss. The loss of a parent has immense sadness, grief, and uncertainty. If you live in Los Angeles, this sadness is often added to the disputes that arise with the will and litigation of the estate. Most siblings often fight, each wanting to get the biggest share of the estate, while others feel the will was unfair. In such a situation, they must contact El Segundo Estate Litigation Attorneys to help solve these disputes and ensure everyone gets their rightful share. Some siblings might have an idea of what should be done with the property, while others may have a different idea. This can lead to a great rivalry, breaking the family apart. This article will explore expert advice for siblings during estate litigation and the common pitfalls they should avoid.
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Undue Influence
It’s crucial to discuss the issue of the will with your parent, especially when you feel that one of the siblings’ is pressuring them to change the will. Holding a family meeting to review your parents’ wishes is the best way to resolve these differences and reduce the tension. If you cannot converse with your parents, you and your siblings must meet with a litigation lawyer in Los Angeles to help you solve the issue. The lawyer will be advised that the parents cannot make the proposed changes or have not agreed to the proposed changes. Your estate litigation lawyer will guide you on the legal steps you must follow.
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Under Parents’ Wishes
A sibling needs to get an understanding of their parents’ will. This includes why parents left one sibling a favorite piece of property while others were offered the least favorite. This might be because one sibling was obedient and better off, so they got favored. The decision of parents to distribute their property this way could be to ensure equal distribution of wealth. Furthermore, they could have based the circumstances they expected or those present during the writing the will. If they are still alive, you need to have proactive and practical one-on-one conversations on this matter and other important issues.
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Disinheritance, Estrangement, and Late Marriages
The estate planning process and distribution of assets can be affected when a parent remarries and there is a new mixed family or new step-parent. Such occurrences and other reasons can make parents disinherit their children or leave them out of the will. In such cases, the children can contest the will, sometimes forcing the parents to change it. If they are unwilling to change, they can seek the services of an experienced and qualified estate litigation lawyer for legal representation. They will carefully draft their will or develop a separate trust to ensure all children, including members of the new family, get an equal share of the inheritance.
End Note
Inheritance disputes can be stressful and expensive. Always hire an experienced estate litigation lawyer to advise the parents and siblings accordingly regarding inheritance. This will help avoid disputes and ensure that every party involved understands the will and the reasons the asset were distributed as they are.