Guardianship Lawyers Near Me: Ways to Avoid Probate Fraud

Probate fraud occurs when someone attempts to deceive the court and other interested parties in the probate process to obtain a larger share of the estate or financial gain. Spotting and avoiding probate fraud can be challenging, but there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from financial harm through guardianship lawyers near you. Probate fraud can take many forms and can be difficult to spot without the right expertise. Here are some examples of common types of probate fraud and how to avoid them:

Forgery

Forgery occurs when someone creates, alters, or uses a document intended to be a genuine legal document. This can include wills, trust documents, or other legal documents related to a deceased person’s estate. Forgery can create a false will or trust document that directs assets to someone other than the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. For example, an individual may forge a will that leaves the bulk of the estate to themselves, even though they are not entitled to any assets.

Forgery can also get used to altering an existing will or trust document. For example, someone may change the beneficiaries named in a will or trust document to divert assets to themselves or others. In some cases, the original document may have gotten destroyed, making it difficult to prove that the alterations were made after the document was executed.

Forgery is a serious crime; those caught committing it can face significant legal penalties. In addition to criminal charges, a person found to have committed forgery in relation to a probate matter may be subject to civil lawsuits brought by the rightful heirs or beneficiaries of the estate.

Keeping detailed records of all financial transactions and activities related to the probate process can help to deter fraud and protect your interests. Be sure to document all communication with other parties involved in the probate process, including attorneys, beneficiaries, and executors.

Undue Influence

Undue influence is another common form of probate fraud. It refers to situations where someone uses their position of power or authority to manipulate the decedent’s decision-making in their favor. This can happen when someone close to the decedent, such as a caregiver, lawyer, or family member, exerts inappropriate influence over the decedent’s decisions. For example, suppose an elderly person is dependent on their caregiver. In that case, the caregiver might persuade the person to leave their assets to them rather than their family members or other beneficiaries. The caregiver might use their position of trust and authority to manipulate the person into signing a will or trust that favors them.

Undue influence can also occur when someone takes advantage of a vulnerable or mentally incapacitated person. For example, if a person with dementia gets persuaded to sign a new will that disinherits their children and leaves everything to a new caregiver, this would get considered an undue influence.

To prevent undue influence, be clear about your wishes and intentions when it comes to your estate. Talk to your loved ones about your plans and ensure they understand your wishes. This can help to prevent any confusion or misunderstandings that could lead to undue influence.

Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation is one form of probate fraud, where someone provides false information or makes a material misstatement to the court or estate beneficiaries to gain an advantage or to deceive them for financial gain.

Misrepresentation can take various forms during the probate process. For example, a person may misrepresent the value of assets in the estate to gain a larger share of the inheritance or to reduce the amount of estate taxes owed. This could involve undervaluing assets or failing to disclose certain assets altogether.

Another form of misrepresentation in probate fraud involves misrepresenting the terms of a will or trust document. This could involve falsifying a will or trust, changing the terms of a will or trust, or creating a fake will or trust document altogether.

Misrepresentation can also occur when someone claims to have a legal right to the estate, such as a long-lost relative or creditor, to gain access to the assets.

In some cases, misrepresentation can be more subtle. For example, a beneficiary may misrepresent their relationship with the deceased to gain a larger share of the estate or get appointed as executors. This could involve claiming to have a closer relationship with the deceased than they actually did or providing false information about their role in the estate.

To prevent misrepresentation in probate, it is important to have clear and accurate documentation of all assets and to ensure that all beneficiaries and potential heirs get identified and accounted for. It is also important to work with an experienced probate attorney who can help identify potential red flags and protect the interests of the estate and its beneficiaries.

Guardianship Lawyers Near You: Theft and Embezzlement

This type of fraud occurs when a person or entity wrongfully takes or uses estate assets for their benefit without the proper authority.

This can include situations where an executor or administrator of an estate steals money or property from the estate or when a third party wrongfully takes assets that belong to the estate. In some cases, the fraud may get perpetrated by family members, friends, or other trusted individuals who get access to the estate assets.

One common form of theft or embezzlement in probate cases is the misappropriation of funds from estate bank accounts. This can occur when an executor or administrator uses estate funds to pay personal expenses or when a third party improperly transfers funds out of the estate account.

Another form of theft or embezzlement in probate cases involves the misappropriation of physical property. This can include situations where a person takes items from the estate they are not entitled or where an executor or administrator fails to properly account for and distribute estate assets.

To prevent theft or embezzlement in probate cases, it is important to choose a trustworthy executor or administrator with a good reputation. Additionally, it is important to maintain accurate records of all estate assets and transactions and to regularly monitor estate bank accounts and other financial records for suspicious activity.