Orange County Will Contest and Estate Dispute Attorney
Will Contest and Estate Dispute Litigation in Orange County, CA
Disputes between family and loved ones can be the most painful. That is why the attorneys at Finlay Law Group, APC know how to take decisive, reasonable action to resolve disputes in will contest and disputed estate matters should they arise. Whether the issue concerns the validity of a will, administration of an estate, or complex distributions, we help administrators, executors, beneficiaries, and heirs protect themselves and their interests.
When various disputes arise, it is important for you to have skilled legal assistance on your side. Whether you are challenging the validity of a will, or if you are a beneficiary or heir making sure you get what's yours, the Orange County estate litigation attorneys at Finlay Law Group, APC can assist you.
Finlay Law Group, APC has handled many different disputes in the past, including:
- Validity of a Will
- Undue Influence
- Lack of Testamentary Capacity
- Forgery
- Will Interpretation
- Disinheritance enforcement
- Accounting Disputes
Validity of a Will
In California, creating a valid will isn't just about writing down your wishes. It's also about following strict rules to the letter. Was the will properly signed? Dated? Were there two witnesses present at the same time? Did those witnesses sign the document? If any of these elements are missing, the entire will can be tossed out. Unfortunately, we've seen it all: unsigned drafts, mismatched witness dates, signing in the wrong space, even a will carved into a tractor fender. When the strict legal formalities aren't followed, disputes erupt over what the decedent really intended and whether the document has any legal effect at all. We help clients challenge or defend the validity of a will, ensuring that the right evidence is front and center.
Undue Influence
When someone rewrites a will or trust late in life, eyebrows go up—and for good reason. Claims of undue influence or lack of mental capacity often arise when a vulnerable elder is isolated, manipulated, or pressured into favoring one person over others. These cases typically involve adult children, caretakers, or new "best friends" suddenly benefiting from a revised estate plan. We investigate red flags like cognitive decline, suspicious timing, and controlling behavior to determine if the document reflects the decedent's true wishes—or someone else's. These cases are high-stakes and deeply personal, and the outcome can determine the rightful legacy of a lifetime of work.
Testamentary Capacity
To make a valid will in California, a person must understand three basic things: what they own, who their family is, and what the will says about where everything goes. When someone signs a will while struggling with dementia, confusion, or serious illness, they may not meet that legal standard. These cases often arise when a new will appears late in life, especially if it departs from a long-standing plan or cuts someone out unexpectedly. We dig into the circumstances, reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts to figure out whether the testator truly understood what they were doing. Because a will should reflect someone's intentions, not their vulnerabilities.
Forgery
In estate litigation, handwriting analysis isn't just for detective shows. We handle claims where a will might have been forged—sometimes by copying signatures, other times by faking entire documents. These cases pit beneficiaries against each other (or against alleged fraudsters), and often involve forensic experts, notarization irregularities, and timelines that don't quite add up. If it wasn't truly signed by the decedent, it shouldn't dictate who gets what.
Will Interpretation
When someone writes their own will—or pulls one from the internet without legal guidance—things can get confusing fast. Unfortunately, we regularly see wills that are vague, contradictory, or just plain baffling. Did “everything to my children” mean biological children only, or is the stepson included? Sure, Jonny is allowed to stay in the house, but is he supposed to keep the furniture too? These issues become especially tricky when the will is created late in life, when memories fade and intentions go unspoken. We step in to help the court (and the family) figure out what the testator actually meant. It's a little bit legal analysis, a little bit detective work, and a whole lot of making sure the decedent's true wishes are respected—even when the wording didn't quite hit the mark.
Accounting Disputes
Keeping good records is the first requirement of any smooth estate administration—and one of the easiest ways to invite trouble if done incorrectly. Executors and administrators often don't realize just how detailed and exact the process needs to be until a beneficiary's lawyer shows up asking pointed questions. That's where we come in. We help fiduciaries prepare clean, court-ready accountings that comply with California's strict requirements and withstand scrutiny from even the most skeptical heirs. Whether you're wrapping up a simple estate or navigating complex assets, proper accounting not only keeps things transparent—it keeps you out of court.
Will Attorney in Orange County, CA
Searching for an attorney for a trust and will dispute case in Orange County? Our trust and probate attorneys have experience in handling all of these matters as well as others. If you are facing a dispute or some sort of contest regarding a will or estate then it is important for you to retain skilled legal assistance on your side. Need a trust & will dispute attorney in Orange County? Contact Finlay Law Group, APC today to discuss your situation by calling (949) 269-4139.