Contesting a will in Australia, by contrast, occurs when someone asserts that they have not received adequate provision in the will. To successfully contest a will, a person must demonstrate financial need, and establish that in light of this need, the deceased should have made greater provision for them.
If the matter goes to court, the average cost to contest a will is about $20,000 – $100,000. Most lawyers charge $300 to $850 per hour. The average cost for a family provision claim in NSW that is finalised is about $30,000. But, if you go to court, the cost can be more than $50,000.
Contesting a will is time is worthwhile if you believe you are entitled to more than you received. The process can take an emotional toll but it is important to remember that there can be major long-term benefits of contesting a will.
What Are the Chances of Contesting a Will? The chances of contesting a will and winning are slim. Research shows that only 0.5% to 3% of wills in the United States undergo contests, with most will contests ending up unsuccessful. You will need valid grounds to contest a will.
Who can contest a will? Theoretically, anyone can challenge a will, whether that's a sibling, or someone who doesn't appear to benefit on first glance, but may be a residuary beneficiary. However, contesting a will is not something you should consider without good reason.
In New South Wales, the overall success rate of contesting a will is approximately the same as the national average, about 76 %. As mentioned, NSW also has the highest number of family provision claims in the country and is responsible for around 60 % of all contested estates.
There are a number of different types of decision a judge might come to in these cases. They may decide that the Will is valid and that the executors should continue to administer the estate in accordance with it. They may decide to remove an executor from a Will or appoint a new one.
Generally speaking, in claims to challenge the validity of a Will, there is no time limit. However, if a person delays in bringing their claim then the court may hold that as a result of this delay the person is no longer entitled to bring the claim.
Making a claim on an estate when there is a Will
Any children, estranged or otherwise, are entitled to make a claim on their parents' estates if they feel that they have not been sufficiently provided for in the Will. To make a claim on someone's estate, you must apply to the Court.
It is possible to contest a will on the basis of a lack of knowledge and approval even if the will appears to be validly executed and the testator had mental capacity. It must be shown that the testator was not aware of the content of the will or that there were suspicious circumstances.
Whenever contesting a Will, if your claim proceeds to trial, the standard order is that the winning party has their reasonable costs paid by the losing party.
Precautions you can take to avoid a contest
To prevent a contest to your will, make sure your will is executed properly and that you take all the precautions your attorney suggests to avoid any chance of a contest. It is also a good idea to talk to your heirs about what is in your will and why.
Sibling disputes over assets in a parent's estate can be avoided by taking certain steps both before and after the parent dies. Strategies parents can implement include expressing their wishes in a will, setting up a trust, using a non-sibling as executor or trustee, and giving gifts during their lifetime.
You're completely within your rights to exclude someone from your will. You're free to do so for any reason at all, or no reason whatsoever. However, before you make your final decision: Take your time – disinheriting someone has consequences.
Broadly speaking, there are two bases upon which the disposition of an estate under a will can be challenged. Those are that the will itself is invalid, and/or that the will does not make 'reasonable financial provision'.
The entire will or codicil can be thrown out. If there is an earlier will in existence, that will could be put into place instead. If there is no other will, assets could be distributed by the court according to state intestacy laws, rules applied to divide an estate when there is no will.
Unfair Will Example: Contributions
A will might also be unfair if it gives no consideration to the contributions that someone made to either the deceased estate or the welfare of the deceased and family.
When it comes to the process of contesting a will, there is no legal requirement for a solicitor to be instructed. There is absolutely nothing stopping someone from dealing with a will challenge.
Who can challenge a Will? A. Only interested persons such as heirs (family members), beneficiaries, creditors, or other parties who have a property right or claim against the estate being administered may challenge a will and only for valid legal reasons.
There are a number of different costs that might be involved when you contest a Will. These could include: Solicitor fees. Disbursements (such as the cost of copy medical records, Land Registry fees)
There is a common misconception that, as a child, you are automatically entitled to receive something from your parents' estates. In fact, there is no legal obligation on a parent to provide for their child, or children, after they die and when they are making a will.
Can an executor contest a will? Yes, if you are named as an executor you can contest the will. However, if this situation was to arise, it is likely you would be required to give up your role as executor. The reason for this is that an executor must administer the deceased's estate by following the will.