In some California will contests, the issue isn’t just fairness or family dynamics—it’s fraud. Whether a signature looks suspicious or someone exerted secret pressure behind the scenes, these cases call for a closer look. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect a will was forged—or signed under false pretenses. What Counts as Fraud […]
Read MoreAre Handwritten Wills Valid? The Truth About Holographic Wills
Imagine sorting through a loved one’s belongings and discovering a handwritten note tucked away in a drawer. It looks like a will—maybe even says so at the top—and includes names, dollar amounts, and a signature. The question is: does it hold up in court? In California, handwritten wills, known as holographic wills, can be legally […]
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How Beneficiaries Can Protect Their Rights in Trust Disputes
Janice thought it was all settled. The trust had been signed years ago, and everyone in the family believed they knew how things would be divided. But when the trustee finally shared the documents, the terms didn’t match what she’d been told. There were missing assets. New beneficiaries. No clear answers. Trust disputes often hit […]
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The Difference Between Estate Planning and Estate Litigation: What You Need to Know
People often use the term “estate” as if it only applies after someone passes away. However, there are two very different sides to handling an estate: planning and litigation. One happens in anticipation of the future, and the other steps in when something goes wrong. If you’re not sure which one applies to your situation—or […]
Read MoreWho Can Be Held Liable in an Elder Abuse Case?
Elder abuse is a serious issue that can take many forms—physical harm, emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect. Whether it happens in a care facility or in a private home, abuse often goes unnoticed until the damage is done. If your loved one has been harmed, it’s important to understand who may be legally responsible. […]
Read MoreThe Silent Epidemic: Why Elder Abuse Often Goes Unreported
Elder abuse is more common than most people realize—and far too often, it goes unreported. Many older adults suffer in silence, whether out of fear, confusion, or concern about what might happen if they speak up. At Loew Law Group, we’ve worked with families who were shocked to learn that someone they trusted had taken […]
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips to Safeguard Against Elder Abuse
Elder abuse isn’t always physical—it often happens financially. Scammers, dishonest caregivers, and even family members can take advantage of older adults, draining their savings or coercing them into bad financial decisions. Taking proactive steps can help protect older adults. Here’s how. 1. Establish Durable Powers of Attorney One of the most effective ways to protect […]
Read MoreExamples of Breaches of Fiduciary Duty in Trusts and Estates
When someone takes on the role of trustee or executor, that person has a legal duty to act in the best interests of beneficiaries. This responsibility, known as a fiduciary duty, requires them to manage assets honestly, prudently, and without self-interest. Unfortunately, not all fiduciaries uphold their obligations. Beneficiaries can suffer financial losses or delays […]
Read MoreCommon Causes of Fiduciary Litigation
An administrator of an estate or a trustee of a trust owes fiduciary duties to that estate or trust and its beneficiaries. When a fiduciary fails to fulfill their duties in a reasonably prudent manner, a beneficiary may pursue fiduciary litigation against that administrator. The goal of this litigation may be to recover compensation for […]
Read MoreThe Psychological and Emotional Dimensions of Will Contests
A will contest occurs when a person with an interest in a decedent’s estate—such as a beneficiary under the will or a relative of the decedent—challenges the validity of the decedent’s will or the interpretation of its terms. These disputes are often legally challenging, but they have pressing emotional and psychological dimensions as well. Here’s […]
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