Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo - Woodland Hills Estate Planning Attorney

Start Your Solution. Schedule a Free Consultation Today.
818-676-9572

  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Attorney
  • Practice Areas
  • Questions And Answers
  • Seminars
  • Articles
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Estate Planning
  • Wills
  • Powers Of Attorney
  • Health Care Directives
  • Trusts
  • Conservatorships
  • Elder Law
  • Medi-Cal Planning
  • Guardianships
  • Probate
Contextual
  • Estate Planning
  • Wills
  • Powers Of Attorney
  • Health Care Directives
  • Trusts
  • Conservatorships
  • Elder Law
  • Medi-Cal Planning
  • Guardianships
  • Probate
  • X Close

The problem of undue influence

On behalf of Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo | Feb 1, 2018 | Executors And Fiduciaries, Trustees

One reason that someone in California may have to challenge a will signed by a deceased family member is because the relative believes the will was signed or composed under undue influence. We want our loved ones to work out their estate planning with an informed and clear mind. However, this is not always the case.

According to Findlaw, undue influence occurs when someone composes a will under the duress of a manipulator. The culprit will manipulate a vulnerable person into making a will that leaves most of his or her assets, if not all of them, to the manipulator. The phrase “undue influence” simply means that an individual lacks the free will to bargain due to the manipulator’s actions.

A piece by the Huffington Post goes into greater detail in how undue influence may happen. A manipulator may engage in a number of actions against a victim, including:

  • Telling lies to a person or at least half-truths
  • Harassing or pestering
  • Threatening
  • Isolating the person from facts or people who can help the person

Additionally, undue influence can happen to anyone. Although people that are older and physically more infirm are especially vulnerable, the truth is individuals that are young, strong-willed and driven can also be manipulated. Part of the problem is that an undue influencer can be anyone, from a friend, a family member, a caregiver, or a trusted advisor. Some manipulators who are not initially part of a victim’s personal circle may work their way into becoming a victim’s advisor.

Generally, people will claim undue influence has occurred in a number of situations. These may include instances where there is discord between spouses or a blended family. Additionally, a sibling may charge that another sibling is unfairly manipulating a parent. Sometimes a family member may become suspicious if a new best friend of a family member shows up in the picture. Undue influence claims might also be made if a family member suffered from impaired memory or a medical condition that weakened the person’s mental faculties.

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Categories

  • Blog (54)
  • Children with disabilities (2)
  • Conservatorship (10)
  • Estate Planning (224)
  • Executors And Fiduciaries (37)
  • Health Care Directive (6)
  • Health Care Directive And Power Of Attorney (6)
  • Heirs And Beneficiaries (57)
  • Long-Term Care (5)
  • Probate (21)
  • Probate And Estate Administration (47)
  • Social Security Disability (1)
  • Special Needs Trusts (38)
  • Trust Administration (34)
  • Trustees (37)
  • Trustees, Executors And Fiduciaries (6)
  • Uncategorized (75)
  • Wills (9)

Archives

Recent Posts

  • What are the Powers of a California Conservator?
  • Who Inherits in California When There is No Will?
  • What is the Difference Between Having a Will and Estate Planning?
  • Navigating the IEP process in California
  • What if I Can’t Find My Parent’s Will?
findlaw-network
Email Us For a Response

Contact Us

Office Location:

Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo
20350 Ventura Boulevard
Suite 110
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Phone: 818-676-9572
Fax: 818-716-9275
Map & Directions
Review Us
Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
Super Lawyers
Peer Review Rated

© 2021 Law Offices of Alice A. Salvo. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters