Can an intestate estate be contested in court?

Yes, an intestate estate can be contested in court. An intestate estate is an estate in which a person has died without leaving a will. New Hampshire’s intestate succession law dictates how an intestate estate will be distributed and who will be the legal heirs or beneficiaries of the estate. Under New Hampshire’s intestate succession laws, certain individuals can contest the distribution of an intestate estate in court. Most commonly, this includes family members that are entitled to a portion of the estate, such as children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, or other direct relatives. This type of dispute can occur when a family member believes they should inherit a different percentage of the estate than what is listed in the intestate succession law, or when someone was left out of the succession laws and believes they should still receive part of the estate. Individuals wishing to contest an intestate estate must do so through the court system. They must file a formal complaint with the court and then attend a hearing to present their argument. Depending on the complexity of the case, there may also be a jury trial. The court judge will review the evidence presented and make a decision based on the laws in place in the state of New Hampshire. It is important to note that contests to an intestate estate must be filed within a certain time period, which varies by state.

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