What should I do if I suspect an invalid will?

If you suspect an invalid will, it is important to take action to protect the estate of the deceased. In New York, you can file an objection to the will in the local probate court. The court will then investigate the grounds for your objection. This process is known as “contesting a will” and is allowed under New York state law. When contesting a will, you must provide evidence of why you believe the will is invalid. This could include evidence that the testator (the person who wrote the will) was not of sound mind when they signed the will or that the will was not properly executed. Furthermore, you may have evidence of fraud, forgery, or undue influence from another party. It is important to note that contesting a will is a lengthy and challenging process. You should seek legal assistance from an estate planning lawyer who is familiar with state and federal laws regarding wills. The lawyer can help you gather evidence and make your case in court. They will also provide guidance on how to best navigate the probate process. Once your case is presented in court, the judge will hear the arguments and decide whether the will is valid. If it is deemed invalid, the court will decide on the best way to distribute the estate of the deceased.

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