Probate Litigation Attorneys in Toledo, OH

When probate cases become challenging, either through will contesting, or because of poorly arranged estates, you may need the services of an attorney. At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we offer the services of probate litigation lawyers near you in Toledo, OH, that can guide through even the most complicated probate case. With the help of one of our skilled probate litigation lawyers, you can enter the probate process with confidence that your needs and interests will be protected.

Understanding Probate Litigation

When someone dies in the state of Ohio, the probate courts oversee the reading of the will and ensure that the assets are distributed correctly in line with the will. If the will did not name an executor, the court would appoint someone to serve as the administrator of the estate. If someone dies without a will, the probate courts will also determine how the assets are distributed. The probate courts will also determine the authenticity of the will and the validity of the death certificate.

In many cases, this process goes off without a hitch, but sometimes a person connected to the person who died will disagree. This can happen if they feel the most current will was not valid, they believe the appointed administrator is not appropriate, or they have a disagreement about the executor’s fees or accounting provided by the executor. When someone disagrees, then the case may head to probate litigation. This can send you scrambling to find probate litigation lawyers “near me” that can assist in the process ahead.

Common Reasons for Probate Litigation in Ohio

There are many reasons why a person may choose to pursue probate litigation after someone they love dies. In Toledo, we help individuals through this process, ensuring they understand their rights as well as the legalities of the situation. Some common reasons to enter probate litigation include:

• Suspicions of Elder Abuse– If you believe that someone unfairly influenced your deceased loved one to remove your name from the will or trust in order to get more for themselves, or if you think they coerced your loved one to do so, then you could be facing a case of elder abuse. This is particularly common when an elderly individual is dealing with mental illness, like dementia, or physical handicaps. Our team can help you evaluate the case and determine the likelihood that financial abuse or coercion occurred.
• Actions of the Trustee– If the trustee in a trust is acting without thought of the needs of the trust’s beneficiaries, probate litigation lawyers near you can help. Our firm often represents beneficiaries who need to understand their rights as well as the role the trustee legally carries. When appropriate, we will help you hold the trustee accountable for his or her actions.
• Disagreements about the Administrator – When the deceased did not leave a will and the family cannot agree on an administrator, the probate courts must choose the administrator, and this can often lead to litigation. Working with a probate litigation lawyer will help you protect your best interests and ensure the right person is ultimately chosen for the job.
• Will contests – When you or someone else in the family contests the validity of the will, working with a probate litigation lawyer is a must. Will contests can be quite long and drawn out, and you must know the legalities of this process.
• Executor fee concerns – If you feel that the executive has overcharged the estate for their services, then you need to file an executor fee dispute. Again, working with an attorney will help ensure that you follow the proper procedures to protect the estate from an over-eager executor.

In each of these cases, the probate courts offer help and guidance, but you also need personal representation. Probate litigation lawyers at our firm strive to help our clients understand the process ahead while also fighting diligently for their rights. In an estate planning case, you have much you stand to lose, and working with an attorney can help you protect your rights and interests.

Schedule a Consultation with Probate Litigation Lawyers Near You in Toledo, OH

If you are in Toledo and are facing a contested will or other probate concern, the right help is necessary. The probate process can be tedious and confusing, and working with probate lawyers will help you successfully get through the process. If you’ve been looking for “probate litigation lawyers near me,” trust the team at Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC. Our experienced probate litigation attorneys are here to help. Whether you just have a question about probate law, are in the midst of a disagreement, or want help with your estate planning to avoid probate litigation for your loved ones, let Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC provide personal guidance and representation in the days ahead. Contact us today for a free case evaluation!