Most Common Causes of Inheritance Disputes in Colorado
April 10, 2023
Most Common Causes of Inheritance Disputes in Colorado
Losing a loved one is often difficult enough, but when disputes arise over the contents of their estate, the grieving process can become even more complicated. In Colorado, a variety of inheritance disputes have the potential to arise, from the validity of a will to the distribution of assets. Understanding the most common causes of inheritance disputes in Colorado can help you be better prepared for the future, ensuring that your family can avoid potentially costly and time-consuming legal battles.
Another common cause of inheritance disputes in Colorado is disagreements over beneficiary designations. For example, if a life insurance policy or retirement plan names one person as the beneficiary, but a family member believes that they were wrongly excluded or that the beneficiary designation was made under duress, disputes can arise. Additionally, if the named beneficiary has since passed away, there may be questions over who should receive the assets.
Blended families can often lead to inheritance disputes, particularly when there are children from previous marriages. In these cases, the surviving spouse may be entitled to a portion of the assets, but children from previous marriages may dispute this arrangement. Couples in blended families need to ensure that their estate plan clearly reflects their wishes, and that they work with an estate planning attorney to create a plan that is legally enforceable.
In some cases, family members or others may exert undue influence over a person's estate plan, leading to disputes after their death. If a will appears to have been created under duress or if there are concerns that the deceased was not of sound mind when they created the will, family members can contest the will's validity. These disputes can be particularly complex, as they often involve testimony from experts, physicians and others.
Finally, inheritances disputes can arise when estate planning documents contain ambiguities or unclear language. This may occur when a person creates their own will or trusts, with the intention of saving money on legal fees. However, if the language in these documents is unclear, it can lead to disputes between family members and legal battles that can last for years.
Lack of a Valid Will
 One of the primary causes of inheritance disputes in Colorado is the absence of a valid will. When a person dies without a will, their assets will be distributed according to the state's intestacy laws. This can result in family members contesting the distribution of assets, particularly if they believe that they were unfairly left out. To prevent disputes from arising after your death, it's important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney to create a valid will that accurately reflects your wishes.Disputes over Beneficiary Designations
Another common cause of inheritance disputes in Colorado is disagreements over beneficiary designations. For example, if a life insurance policy or retirement plan names one person as the beneficiary, but a family member believes that they were wrongly excluded or that the beneficiary designation was made under duress, disputes can arise. Additionally, if the named beneficiary has since passed away, there may be questions over who should receive the assets.
Blended Families
Blended families can often lead to inheritance disputes, particularly when there are children from previous marriages. In these cases, the surviving spouse may be entitled to a portion of the assets, but children from previous marriages may dispute this arrangement. Couples in blended families need to ensure that their estate plan clearly reflects their wishes, and that they work with an estate planning attorney to create a plan that is legally enforceable.
Undue Influence
In some cases, family members or others may exert undue influence over a person's estate plan, leading to disputes after their death. If a will appears to have been created under duress or if there are concerns that the deceased was not of sound mind when they created the will, family members can contest the will's validity. These disputes can be particularly complex, as they often involve testimony from experts, physicians and others.
Ambiguities in Language
Finally, inheritances disputes can arise when estate planning documents contain ambiguities or unclear language. This may occur when a person creates their own will or trusts, with the intention of saving money on legal fees. However, if the language in these documents is unclear, it can lead to disputes between family members and legal battles that can last for years.
In the end, inheritance disputes can be both emotionally and financially draining for all involved. To avoid these problems, it is important for Colorado residents to work with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help them create an effective estate plan, clearly outlining their final wishes. The McKenzie Law Firm, LLC, can help you navigate the complexities of Colorado estate planning law and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Don't wait until it's too late--contact us today to start planning for the future.
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