How Can A Beneficiary Spot Fraudulent Transfers In A Loved One’s Will?

Everyone has the right to leave their assets to whomever they wish. However, it is not right for a person close to an ailing or elderly relative, for example, to take advantage of their position. It is wrong for a person to convince a sick or elderly loved one to include them in their Will or leave them an inheritance by pressuring them or threatening them. When a person convinces an elderly or sick loved one to write them in their Will or leave them an inheritance using such means, it results in fraudulent transfers. This article discusses how beneficiaries can spot fraudulent transfers in their loved ones’ Wills.

What Do Fraudulent Transfers Involve?

In Probate and Wills, fraudulent transfers generally involve assets from an estate obtained by undue influence over a vulnerable individual. All sorts of assets can be fraudulently transferred from bank account balances to jewelry and even real estate.

How Can a Beneficiary Spot Fraudulent Transfers in a Loved One’s Will?

It can be hard to spot fraudulent transfers in a Will. However, it is not impossible. Below are some things that could indicate fraudulent transfers in a loved one’s Will.

• Anomalous or unexpected changes to your loved one’s Will
• Changes made immediately before your loved one died, involving the naming of new or unfamiliar beneficiaries
• Handwriting that does not correspond to the handwriting in previous Wills
• All witnesses to your loved one’s Will are untraceable
• All witnesses to the Will are individuals who are close to the new beneficiary or beneficiaries and not the testator
• The individual who most benefits from the Will is someone who was instrumental in making the Will

Apart from looking at a Will, there are other ways that beneficiaries can spot fraudulent transfers during probate. Below are some things that do not involve your loved one’s Will that can help you spot fraudulent transfers.

• A new person was added to your loved one’s bank account before your loved one’s death.
• Emails requesting payments to third parties
• Withdrawals or transfers made after your loved one’s death
• Withdrawals or transfers before your loved one’s death that seem irregular or were made while your loved one was sick in the hospital.

So, what actions can you take if you believe there is a fraudulent transfer of assets in your loved one’s Will? Well, you can contest your loved one’s Will or file a legal action.

In conclusion, if you recently lost a loved one and suspect a fraudulent transfer of assets, you should know that you have limited time to take action. It is crucial to note that if you delay taking action, for example, if you delay challenging the Will, fraudulently transferred assets might end up with someone else, resulting in you not being able to reclaim what rightfully belongs to your family.

Contact The Probate Guy for Help

An experienced attorney can help you if you suspect there are fraudulent transfers in your loved one’s Will. If you believe someone became a beneficiary in your deceased loved one’s Will through fraudulent means, do not hesitate to contact the dedicated California probate attorney, Robert L. Cohen – The Probate Guy – to schedule a telephonic consultation.