Disputes over inheritance can often tear apart families during already difficult times of grief. You might suspect something went wrong with your loved one’s will or trust but struggle to identify exactly what happened.
Undue influence occurs when someone tries to manipulate a vulnerable person, causing them to make decisions about their estate they wouldn’t otherwise make. Recognizing these warning signs early can help you protect your family member’s true wishes and save you costly troubles down the line.
Warning signs that suggest undue influence
When evaluating a situation, pay attention to changes in your loved one’s behavior and relationships. These might indicate outside manipulation. Watch for these warning signs:
- Isolation: Someone blocks access to your loved one, filters phone calls or stops family visits for unclear reasons.
- Dependency: Your loved one starts relying heavily on one person for daily needs, rides, medicine or emotional backing.
- Unexplained changes: Estate plans change suddenly to favor a new person, particularly someone who helped write the documents.
- Fear or anxiety: Your loved one seems uncomfortable around certain people or hesitates to discuss finances when specific people are present.
- Secrecy: Documents get signed without proper witnesses or family notification, or your loved one won’t talk about changes they made.
These warning signs become more serious if they appear together or when changes take place during times your loved one feels weak or confused.
What you can do if you suspect undue influence
Taking prompt action matters if you think someone has tried to manipulate your loved one’s estate planning decisions. Consider these important steps:
- Document everything: Record dates, times and behaviors that cause concern.
- Track financial changes: Keep records of any shady transactions or changes to key documents.
- Have private conversations: Speak directly to your loved one alone to understand their true wishes.
- Seek legal guidance: Consider speaking to an estate litigation attorney who understands inheritance disputes.
- Request professional evaluation: Ask for a professional to evaluate your loved one’s mental capacity if you worry about their ability to make sound decisions.
Quick action helps protect your loved one and maintain their true wishes for their estate. You need strong evidence and help from professionals who know both the emotional tolls and legal details of these family disputes.