The probate of an estate is often a smooth and straightforward process. However, in a few cases, beneficiaries choose to contest the validity of the will, thereby adding considerable complexity and anxiety to the process. A “will contest” is a legal action brought to challenge the validity or terms of a decedent’s will.
The DSV Estates and Trusts Practice Group implements a range of strategies to avoid challenges to the wills and estate planning instruments we prepare for our clients. Once a will has been challenged, our estate professionals work closely with the attorneys of the DSV Litigation Practice Group to provide appropriate and cost-effective representation. Will contests are similar to many types of civil litigation, and the parties should expect to engage in discovery, pretrial motions, mediation, and trial. Our attorneys have broad experience and expertise in resolving such disputes consistent with the objectives of our clients.