What to Know if You Are a Beneficiary Seeking Legal Counsel

 Posted on December 28, 2022 in Estate Planning

It is generally considered a great honor to be named as a beneficiary of someone’s will or trust. It demonstrates that someone cared enough about you to ensure you were included in their estate plan. In many cases, beneficiaries receive the benefits they are entitled to according to the will or trust of the deceased without any issues or complications. However, in other cases, numerous sources of frustration can arise as the process of receiving your benefits plays out. If you are a beneficiary concerned with the course of the estate administration and probate process, contact a knowledgeable attorney who will ensure your rights remain protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Improper Estate Administration

When someone is named as a beneficiary, they are tasked with relying on the executor chosen by the deceased to take care of issues relating to their estate. Usually, the deceased selected the executor because they believed the person would be up to the task. However, this is only sometimes the case. In many cases, an executor may be overly busy, not aware of the gravity of the situation, or perhaps they wish to take advantage of the process. In any event, inadequate estate administration is a common reason why a beneficiary may want to consult with a lawyer. 

Contesting Documents

Sometimes, a beneficiary may feel the need to dispute the legitimacy of a document such as a will or another estate planning document. For example, suppose the loved one who named you beneficiary assured you of specific considerations in their will. But, during the probate process, new estate planning documents are discovered that suspiciously exclude you or make other changes you may have reason to believe are unlawful. Suppose you believe the deceased was unfairly influenced or the documents do not represent their wishes. In that case, a lawyer can assist you in challenging the documents in question so that your rightful position as a beneficiary is respected.

Contact a DuPage County Estate Planning Lawyer

It is worth noting that even if you do not have reason to believe any legal action is required, it may still be worth consulting with an attorney if you have any questions regarding how to claim your share of the trust or estate and how doing so will affect your life. Contact the skillful DuPage County estate planning attorneys with A. Traub & Associates. Call 630-426-0196 for a comprehensive consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1194&ChapterID=20