On behalf of The Law Office of Wickersham and Bowers posted in Estate Planning on Friday December 9th, 2022.
Frauds and scams are becoming common these days. Many fraud cases in estate planning are being reported, and unlike other scams, estate planning scams can cost you everything you have. Older adults are the most vulnerable group of people prone to these types of fraud.
It becomes very challenging to leave a will under such circumstances. Hence one should have backup plans and appropriate measures to track fraud and scams from agencies, family, or friends.
Measures to Track Down Fraud
There are a few measures one can take to track down any kind of fraud. Whether it is a changed will, misinterpretation, or unequal distribution, you must know the basics to identify fraud in these situations.
Removal from Will Without any Reason
The most apparent indicator of fraud in estate planning is if someone is unexpectedly removed from the will without any genuine or particular reason. It is best to keep checking on the lawyer if this happens.
Contrary Will
The best way to avoid fraud in estate planning is by discussing your will and future plans with family members or a trusting friend. Most people prefer to keep their will and inheritance plan between them and their estate planning lawyer.
But, discussion with family members can serve as a good way to track fraud in the future. Family members being aware of the inheritance plans prevents any kind of fraud from happening in the first place.
Unequal Distribution
Another way to track fraud is if you notice that one heir is getting more from the will as compared to others. This most likely means that the heir is involved in fraud by coordinating with the estate planning lawyer because it is not usual for a person to favor one heir and discriminate against the others.
Secretly Signed Will
We all know the importance of witnesses in law. Make sure that you sign your will in the presence of a trusting person. If the lawyer presents an unknown will that no one knows about, it is likely that the will was generated on false claims and is part of a scam.
