What to Do If a Will is Fraudulent

What would you do if a family member’s will is fraudulent? Fact is, this is an upsetting time for all the friends and family who knew them. Often, the Will they leave behind is the last thing on someone’s mind. People are still grieving over the death of a family member, after all.

However, there will be times when suspicions arise over the validity of a will, as it’s possible that a will is fraudulent.

Unfortunately, you must act quickly to determine if this is, in fact, the case. Concurrently, a longer wait may result in less closure and more financial turmoil. During this difficult time, there are some tips you can follow to ensure the claim goes much smoother.

Sound out your suspicions

If a will is fraudulent, then it may not just be you who has their suspicions. Some of these wills are often completely valid but without expectation. But estimates on the cost of probate fraud lie somewhere between £100-150 million.

It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that fraudulent cases do occur. Yet it still helps to confirm your suspicions with others first before assessing whether you can make a valid claim. Make sure you are taking note of warning signs above all. Because when emotions are running high, it’s easy to become suspicious of anyone and everything.

For this reason, you’ll need to make a distinction. Then, you must decide if there is enough proof to contest the will. Without it, you may struggle to get a solicitor on board to take the matter further.

Find legal support for your case

For any case involving a fraudulent will, it always helps having a solicitor on hand to help you determine whether your case is viable. If it is, they will then act as a vital form of emotional and legal support during an already stressful time. They will also provide necessary resources to launch an investigation into the will, which you may not have at your disposal otherwise.

Searching for the right solicitor can be stressful in and of itself, but you can streamline the process by looking at online platforms to find the right one. This solicitor will have a great understanding of the burden of this kind of claim, and should act in your best interests to make sure your case has the best chance of winning.

Take legal action if a will is fraudulent

When it comes to fraudulent wills, the cases are not as simple as in any other circumstance. If someone is found guilty, they are liable to face criminal charges of fraud and could face prison time.

So, even after your solicitor determines a will is, in fact, fraudulent, a legal action might still be necessary. This is when involving the police becomes paramount. The fraudulent person needs to be brought up for committing a serious crime. This kind of legal process can become more daunting for family members still grieving. But it’s important that you receive proper closure and financial security by following this action through to the end.

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