Estate Planning and Legacy Law Center, PLC

Check with Attorney before Challenging Estate

The outcome of a challenge to an estate isn’t guaranteed and could backfire, according to the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog in "Take It or Leave It: The Perilous Decision of Whether to Violate a No Contest Clause."

Sometimes when a person challenges a no contest clause and loses the challenge, courts will refuse to enforce the clause. Sometimes when a person challenges a no contest clause and wins the challenge, the court will enforce the clause anyway.

The difference between the two extremes is a matter of individual state law and what exactly is being challenged.

There are different rules in every state.

An estate planning attorney can advise you on wisdom of filing a challenge and the potential outcomes.

Reference: Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog (Nov. 24, 2017) "Take It or Leave It: The Perilous Decision of Whether to Violate a No Contest Clause."