Key Takeaways Introduction High-value estates feature a large portfolio of assets with considerable financial value. Having important estate fraud prevention safeguards in place is necessary for protecting these estates, their assets, and the beneficiaries in line to receive an inheritance, [...]
Clients often call wondering how they can void a will that they feel does not represent their deceased loved one’s intent. Whether you call [...]
Clients often call wondering how they can void a will that they feel does not represent their deceased loved one’s intent. Whether you call […]
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Undue influence occurs when a dominant person uses pressure or manipulation to override another person’s free will, causing a choice that is not truly their own. It often appears wherever important decisions are made, including contracts, gifts, financial transactions, healthcare or research consents, and legal documents. Indicators commonly include a relationship of trust or authority, the target’s vulnerability, and tactics such as isolation, intimidation, deception, or control of essential resources.
In trusts and estates, undue influence means a will, trust, or amendment reflects the influencer’s wishes rather than the signer’s true intent. It often involves an elderly, ill, or dependent person and a caregiver, relative, or confidant who arranges the lawyer, controls access, rushes or keeps the signing secret, or engineers dramatic last-minute changes. Courts look for a vulnerable testator or settlor, a confidential or dependent relationship, active involvement in procuring the document, and an outcome that is inconsistent with prior plans or disproportionately benefits the influencer. If proven, the tainted will, trust, or amendment can be set aside and prior valid documents or intestacy rules may control.
Answers to common questions about trustee removal, suspension, and resignation, helping you better understand your rights and the legal processes involved in protecting your interests.
Red flags include sudden or last-minute changes to a will or trust, isolation from long-standing friends or family, a new caregiver or advisor receiving an unusually large share, a departure from decades of prior planning, the influencer arranging the attorney or controlling document logistics, and the signer appearing confused, fearful, or coached.
Those with a direct, legally protected interest may bring a claim of undue influence. This often includes current beneficiaries, remainder or contingent beneficiaries, heirs who would inherit if the challenged document is set aside, trustees or personal representatives seeking instructions, and in some cases a guardian, conservator, or the personal representative of a deceased beneficiary’s estate. Standing rules are state specific, so local counsel should confirm eligibility.
Courts evaluate the totality of the circumstances. Common factors are the vulnerability of the signer, the existence of a confidential or dependent relationship, the influencer’s opportunity and active involvement in procuring the document, secrecy or haste in execution, inconsistencies with prior plans, and whether the outcome is unnatural or disproportionately favors the influencer. The court weighs medical capacity evidence, witness testimony, and documentary records to decide if the free will of the signer was overborne.
Examples include pressuring an elder to sign an amendment that cuts out family in favor of a caregiver, threatening to withhold transportation, medication, or companionship unless documents are changed, controlling access to the elder and screening phone calls, dictating the lawyer selection and meeting logistics, and orchestrating gifts or transfers that drain accounts shortly before death.
Yes. If the court finds undue influence, the trust, will, or amendment can be invalidated in whole or in part. The result is that a prior valid document controls, or if none exists, assets may pass by intestacy. Courts can also order accountings, appoint or remove fiduciaries, and issue turnover or surcharge orders to recover assets.
Useful evidence includes the drafting attorney’s file and notes; earlier versions of the estate plan; medical and caregiving records; calendars and medication logs; bank and brokerage statements; and emails, texts, and letters showing who controlled access or decisions. Witness accounts and testimony are often critical: sworn declarations or deposition testimony from neighbors, friends, caregivers, treating physicians, social workers, financial advisors, and the drafting attorney can describe isolation, gatekeeping, changes in demeanor, or who directed meetings and signatures. Expert opinions on capacity, susceptibility, and influence help the court weigh the facts. Timelines that document isolation, dependency, and rapid last-minute changes are particularly persuasive.
An experienced attorney can evaluate standing and deadlines, secure documents quickly, and interview key witnesses. The attorney builds a factual record through subpoenas, depositions, and expert evaluations, then pursues the best path to relief, whether that is negotiation, mediation, or a probate court petition. Remedies may include invalidating the tainted instrument, compelling an accounting, freezing or recovering assets, removing or suspending a fiduciary, and seeking surcharge to make the trust or estate whole. The goal is to honor the decedent’s true wishes and protect beneficiary rights.
A member of the RMO Client Relations team will reach out to gather additional information concerning the parties to your case and schedule your consultation.
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