Contest

In the context of Probate, "contest" refers to a legal challenge or dispute raised against the validity, interpretation, or execution of a Last Will and Testament.

When someone contests a will, they are raising objections to its legitimacy, either claiming that it was not executed properly, that the person who made the will lacked the mental capacity to do so, or that there was undue influence or fraud involved in its creation.

Contesting a will can lead to a legal proceeding where a Probate Court examines the evidence and arguments presented by the party contesting the will and any parties defending its validity.

The outcome of a will contest can result in upholding the will as valid, partially invalidated, or completely invalidated, depending on the evidence and legal arguments presented.

Will contests can be emotionally and financially draining for all parties involved, and they can delay the distribution of Assets to Beneficiaries named in the will.

Common reasons for contesting a will include suspicions that the will’s creator, the Testator, was not mentally capable at the time of creating the will, or was coerced or undue influence, as well as disputes over the authenticity of the document itself.

Not all challenges to a will are successful. Will contests require solid evidence and legal grounds to be taken seriously by the court.

If there are legitimate reasons to contest a will, or someone is contesting a will that an Executor is Administering, it's advisable to consult with an Estate Attorney or Probate Attorney to understand the legal options available.