Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New York

Contesting a will

I was named as a beneficiary for a substancial amount of money, part is in a revocable trust. While doing a geneology search the Lawyer came up with two 1st cousins. Neither were named in the will nor did they know there cousn. One of the cousins is thinking of contesting the will. What are their rights if not named?


Asked on 10/01/06, 6:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Contesting a will

First cousins normally have no legal standing, unless they are the closest living relatives. Even if that is so, they could be disinherited anyway. Anyone with proper standing can contest a Will, but that does not mean they will be successful, as such litigation is very complicated. The trust may even be more difficult to attack, but could be contested as well. This is a response to an Internet question and the reply is not intended to constitute legal advice or to create an attorney-client relationship. Missing facts could result in a different reply.

Read more
Answered on 10/01/06, 2:07 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Probate, Trusts, Wills & Estates questions and answers in New York