How Much Does It Cost To Contest A Will?
After the death of a person, the Will that the person made goes to probate. In California, probate is the process in which the estate executor or personal representative gathers estate assets, appraises the assets, pays estate debts, and distributes the remaining assets to the named beneficiaries as per the instructions in the Will. However, the instructions in a Will may be disputed. Beneficiaries are allowed to contest a Will during probate.
If you are considering contesting a Will, you need to keep in mind that contesting a Will is just like filing any other lawsuit. Contesting a Will costs money. But, how much exactly does it cost to contest a Will? Keep reading to find out.
How Much Does It Cost To Contest a Will?
Some people will tell you that contesting a Will costs at least $10,000. Others will tell you that Will contests cost between $5,000 to $10,000. But, how much exactly does it cost to contest a Will? Well, the truth is that the cost of contesting a Will depends entirely on the specifics of the case. The cost of contesting a Will depends on what the contest proceeding involves. The cost of contesting a Will is determined by the sum of attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs, such as the costs of gathering and preserving evidence. With that said, if you’re planning to contest a Will, it will likely cost you thousands of dollars unless you can negotiate with your attorney a different type of fee structure.
Will contests that are settled quickly are relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, contests that drag on for a long time can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on various things. Fortunately, depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover the money you spend on a Will contest from the opposing party.
Should You Contest a Will?
Whether or not you should contest a Will is entirely up to you. If you are wondering whether the cost of contesting a Will is worth it, there are several things you need to consider. For example, you need to consider the emotional cost of a Will contest since they affect the relationship of the family members. You also need to consider the wealth that is at stake. For example, if the amount at stake is $5,000 and the Will contest costs $5,000, the contest may not be worth it.
How Do Attorneys Charge for Contesting a Will?
Different attorneys use different fee structures. After you schedule a consultation with a probate attorney, they will assess the specifics of your case and determine the appropriate fee structure for your proposed Will contest. Fortunately, there are attorneys who are willing to advance all costs of litigation and only take a fee if they are successful in recovering money for you.
Contact The Probate Guy for Legal Help
Are you looking for an attorney who is willing to advance all costs of litigation and only take a fee if they are successful in recovering money for you? If so, contact the dedicated California probate attorney, Robert L. Cohen – The Probate Guy – to schedule a telephonic consultation.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/will_contest
