Will questions(millions involved),

sewell94 · 03-06-2007, 07:40 PM

Lets say that someone's great grandfather died in his late 80's. Worth 100's of millions, was president of numerous banks, former politician, blah blah. His grandfather was the first born, and his mother first born to the grandfather. The grandfather had died before the great grandfather. The will left everything to his 3rd wife, who was 40 years younger than him(ala anna nicole style but w/o the looks). That version of the will was filed about 18 months ago, but the signature is very bad, and the great grandfather was undergoing cancer treatment at that time(and probably under the influence under some pretty strong drugs). My question is does the great grandson or his mother have any right to contest the will??? They have no money can't afford a lawyer, would/do lawyers that would handle this type of work off of commission ?? what would be the best course of action for the great grandson/granddaughter?? I know this really needs to go to a lawyer, but i wanted ask the ppot brian trust their opinion. That or if anyone knew a lawyer that would be interetsed in something like this.

btw: this is in fl,

island911 · 03-06-2007, 07:56 PM

Go to a lawyer (or two) and ask. When you see $ $ flash in their eyes . . .

WolfeMacleod · 03-06-2007, 09:08 PM

And don't forget, the lawyers will end up with most of it in the end...

nota · 03-07-2007, 04:58 AM

I would try to talk to wife#3 first
[or get a good lawyer to talk to her lawyer]
something like we can settle for a fair cut
or fight and tie up the money forever
intill the lawyers eat it all up

I think Fla law is 1/2 to wife and 1/2 to kids
but thats a no will case
no idea about great grand kids ect
but expect any funds to go only to your mom
if you are not in the will

did great grand pa have a long time lawyer or firm??
start by talking to them
did he/they do the ''new'' will?
are the old will[s] still existant?

process is long and drawn out even without a fight
so act quickly, but be ready to wait along time to see the cash

Rot 911 · 03-07-2007, 05:46 AM

You really need to see a Florida attorney. Statutes regarding wills are very state specific. Many states do not allow the exclusion of spouses and sometimes children in a will. Some allow exclusion by omission or by statement in the will. State law will also determine the time standards for submission of a will to the court.

Dueller · 03-07-2007, 06:23 AM

What I think you're asking is who has standing to challenge the will on the basis of undue influence or soundness of mind. GENERALLY speaking, a potential heir at law under intetstate succession (i,e,. a person who would be entitled to inherit if there were no will) would have legal standing to mount a will contest. BUT, as posted above it is very state specific.

I would suggest you get a copy of the will (available at the court clerks office if the will has been probated) and visit a good lawyer who handles this type of matter. And do it post haste as there are pretty tight statutes of limitations in will contest. If you have a solid chance some lawyers would take it on contingency. That being said, will contests are some of the most vicious lawsuits around and require a LOT of work.