Examples of Fraudulent Wills in Yakima

If you believe your loved one’s Will is fraudulent, you may be correct. Perhaps you suspect that someone might have altered the Will without your relative’s consent or knowledge. Maybe you’re worried about the family fortune falling into the wrong hands. But how exactly do you identify a fraudulent Will? What are some potential signs that the Will has been illegally altered? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced probate lawyer in Yakima.

Forged Signatures 

Perhaps the most obvious example of a fraudulent Will is one that contains a forged signature. This might be the forged signature of witnesses or the testator. In determining whether the signature is genuine, the probate court may need to examine previous signatures made by the writer. Experts can assist in this process, and a probate lawyer can bring this concern to the attention of the probate court.

 The Witnesses Did Not Actually See the Testator Sign the Will 

Even if the witnesses are legitimate, they may not be valid. For example, the witnesses who signed the document may not have seen the testator provide their own signature. The whole point of a witness signature is to verify the authenticity of the testator’s signature. Perhaps a manipulative person approached a second witness, asking them to sign on the dotted line despite the fact that the testator had already signed the Will. This could indicate some form of coercion or trickery.

 The Signature Was Obtained Through Trickery 

Unfortunately, many seniors become highly vulnerable to fraud in old age. They may suffer from cognitive decline, making them easy to manipulate. They may also struggle with poor vision, making it difficult for them to distinguish one document from another. What happens if someone asks a senior to sign a petition to help endangered species? What happens if that document is not a petition at all, but a revised Will? This situation is more common than many realize, and it is a clear example of fraud.

 Destruction of the Previous Will 

While the destruction of an older Will is not illegal, it may serve as additional evidence of fraud. If a previous Will is destroyed and you simultaneously notice potential forged signatures and other suspicious activities, it might be time to contact an experienced probate lawyer.

 Provisions That Seem Out of Character for the Testator

 Finally, the new Will may contain provisions that seem completely out of character for the testator. You may have had discussions with the testator about their plans for the family estate, and the Will may seem like the complete opposite of these discussions. If you notice this issue, the Will may be fraudulent.

Can a Probate Lawyer in Yakima Help Me? 

A probate lawyer in Yakima may be able to help if you suspect your relative’s Will is fraudulent. Aside from the examples listed above, there may be other potential signs of fraud, forgery, or coercion. It is best to discuss your unique circumstances alongside an experienced lawyer, so contact Moulton Law Offices today for further guidance.

Sources: 

wa-probate.com/

courts.wa.gov/caseload/?fa=caseload.showIndex&level=s&freq=y&tab=probate