how to file against an attorney personal representative who is manipulating to eat up an estate

by Denis O'Connell III 8 min read

Can a personal representative act on behalf of an estate?

Dec 12, 2017 · After someone passes away, there will need to be another person to step in and make sure that the deceased’s estate is properly distributed. In some cases there is a will that will specifically name this person, who is called an executor or a personal representative. Read our blog to learn more!

Can a personal representative ignore a probate court order?

Apr 02, 2018 · The term "real representative" is found in the survival statute, which provides, "Causes of action for and in respect to any and all injuries and trespasses to and upon real estate and any and all injuries to the person or to personal property shall survive both to and against the personal or real representative, as the case may be, of a ...

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim against an estate?

Jun 23, 2017 · A personal representative is a fiduciary: they stand in a position of trust, ethically and legally, to the estate and its heirs. This fiduciary duty means that the personal representative is bound to act in the best interests of the estate, even if those run counter to the personal representative's own interests. Common breaches of the personal ...

What is the best way to manage an estate as personal representative?

Jul 31, 2012 · As an Atlanta, Georgia probate dispute lawyer, I know a personal representative who “steals” or “defrauds” an estate, or otherwise behaves dishonestly, is a nightmare for a grieving family, the beneficiaries, and heirs. Unfortunately, I have seen in my Atlanta probate law firm practice, this occurs more than you might think. Inexperience with the legal and financial …

What are some examples of undue influence?

In a court of law, some of the signs of undue influence might be summarized as:Isolation from friends, family, or a social support system;Dependency upon the abuser;Abuser's use of the victim's financial assets;Psychological abuse, threats and intimidation;Physical violence, including threats of physical violence;More items...

Is it difficult to prove undue influence?

Undue Influence Cases in Real Life It can be difficult to prove undue influence, because it's impossible to know what someone—who is no longer around to tell you—was thinking when he or she made a will.

Can I sue an executor?

If the executor fails to live up to their legal obligations, a beneficiary can sue them for breach of fiduciary duty. If there is more than one beneficiary, all beneficiaries must agree in order to sue an executor.Oct 18, 2021

How long do you have to file a claim against an estate?

There is a strict time limit within which an eligible individual can make a claim on the estate. This is six months from the date that the grant of probate was issued. For this reason, executors are advised to wait until this period has lapsed before distributing any of the estate to the beneficiaries.Jun 26, 2019

What is presumed undue influence?

In presumed undue influence, certain relationships, as a matter of law, will raise a presumption of undue influence. In such cases, the burden of proof lies on the party who was in the position of trust to disprove undue influence on the victim.Jun 27, 2014

What are the elements of undue influence?

Under California financial elder abuse law, you must prove four elements to establish undue influence: (1) vulnerability of the victim, (2) apparent authority of the wrongdoer, (3) actions and tactics of the wrongdoer, and (4) an inequitable result.Oct 18, 2018

Who can claim against a deceased estate?

This means that the beneficiaries in order of preference are: the spouse of the deceased; the descendants of the deceased; the parents of the deceased (only if the deceased died without a surviving spouse or descendants); and the siblings of the deceased (only if one or both parents are predeceased).

How do you challenge an executor?

If you believe the executor is not performing the duties of their role, you can make a claim against them. Their duties include collecting the deceased's assets and distributing them according to the will. You should consider making a claim against an executor if they've: Sold the deceased's property at a reduced value.

How do I lodge a claim against a deceased estate?

The estate of a deceased person must be reported to the Master of the High Court within 14 days of the date of death. Any person that has control or possession of any property or a will of the deceased, can report the death by lodging a completed death notice with the Master.

What is the time limit to make a claims by legal heirs?

1) The Supreme Court Rules 1970, Part 78 rule 16 specifies that an application for a grant should be filed within 6 months from the date of death of the deceased. 2) If it is filed any later an explanation must be given to the court explaining the delay.Jan 24, 2017

Can an executor bring a claim against the estate?

Executors can be personally liable to beneficiaries in certain circumstances, for example where they knew of a potential claim against the estate by the executor (perhaps under the Inheritance Act 1975) but distributed too soon and the estate no longer has the money to pay any award.

Who can make a claim under the Inheritance Act?

The classes of applicant who may bring a claim is defined under the Act, and includes: the spouse or civil partner of the deceased. the former spouse or civil partner of the deceased (as long as that person has not remarried/entered into a subsequent civil partnership)Mar 5, 2021