Is Someone Stealing Assets From The Estate?

It is very easy to steal assets from an estate. This is one of the main reasons that you need a competent attorney helping you with your probate matter. Listed below are a few of ways that people steal assets (have no doubt in your mind that this list is not all inclusive):

Part 1.  Stealing assets from the estate prior to a persons death:

This is really a misnomer because the Decedents estate does not exist until death.  There are many ways to transfer assets away from someone even before they die.  If someone’s name is added to a deed or a bank account then there is actually no need to go to probate for those assets.  Further, a life insurance policy has a named beneficiary and never enters probate.

Anyone could talk your loved one into changing these assets and there will be nothing you can do on your own.  There are suits that an attorney can file on your behalf. If you find yourself in this situation do not hesitate to contact us.

Part 2.  Stealing assets after death:

Most of the time when someone wants to steal after death and try to get away with it they steal through a will or trust that they have coerced the decedent into signing.  This coercion takes on many forms. If you find yourself in this situation do not hesitate to contact us.