Estate Litigation Lawyers in New Jersey

As the old Benjamin Franklin adage says, nothing is certain except death and taxes. When settling an estate after death, both realities become vitally important. An estate is a legal entity comprised of a person’s assets, and estate administration is the process of dividing those assets between creditors and beneficiaries. Having an experienced probate and estate lawyer on your side prevents initial issues in administration and ensures that, if problems do arise, beneficiaries receive their assets in full.

When legal challenges arise regarding a will, trust, or other estate documents, tempers can flare and reputations can be put in jeopardy. At Bratton Law Group, our experienced litigators have many years of experience successfully winning court cases on behalf of clients. We understand that delays in court can be costly and frustrating; we work tirelessly to ensure an expedient, fair trial and defend your rights vigorously when a settlement isn’t possible.

Estate Disputes that Lead to Litigation

In an ideal world, every person who passes will leave a clear, valid will that beneficiaries and creditors agree on. However, the laws and regulatory guidelines governing estates are ever-changing and complex. In many cases, there is no valid will, or potential beneficiaries cannot reach an agreement. This is where estate litigation becomes vital to ensure a division of the deceased’s assets in a fair, legal process. Some common issues we address include:

• Attacks on a Will’s Validity: This includes challenges to both the document itself and the appointment of the executor. A will may be deemed invalid if it was not executed properly under state law.
• Lack of Capacity: For a will to be valid, the deceased must have fully understood the document before signing. If temporary or permanent cognitive issues impacted their decision-making ability, a court may decide the deceased lacked the capacity to enter into a legal agreement.
• Claims of Undue Influence: The deceased must make their own decisions without pressure from outside parties. If a beneficiary pressured the deceased to favor or exclude certain individuals, this is considered undue influence and can invalidate the will.
• Fiduciary Misconduct: We litigate matters involving executors or trustees who fail to uphold their legal duties to the beneficiaries.
• Business Succession Fights: When a business owner passes, disputes often arise regarding the transition of ownership. We provide aggressive representation to protect your business interests during probate.

Put Our Successful Litigation Experience to Work

When your living arrangements, financial security, or inheritance are in jeopardy, there is no time to waste. The skilled probate and estate lawyers at Bratton Law Group have helped hundreds of people navigate the “complex web” of New Jersey and Pennsylvania estate and eldercare laws. We ensure that assets go to the deceased’s loved ones instead of being wasted on unnecessary taxes, improper investments, or legal delays.

Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Litigation Lawyer

Do you need to speak with an expert in estate litigation? Our award-winning team will review your situation, explain your options, and work to mount a winning case on your behalf. We have offices conveniently located in Haddonfield, Linwood, and Ewing, NJ, as well as Philadelphia, PA.

For a consultation with a knowledgeable attorney, call our offices at 856 770 2744 or contact us through our website today.