Granada Hills Wills Contest Lawyer

Wills are one of the most fundamental estate planning tools individuals use to distribute assets, create custody plans for minor children, and decide who is responsible for the administration of their estate. However, there are many reasons why a will may be invalid. If you think that a will is not legally valid or contains critical errors, you should speak to a Granada Hills wills contest lawyer as soon as possible.

Barry Law Group: Work With a Knowledgeable Granada Hills Wills Contest Attorney

At Barry Law Group, we help individuals and families navigate difficult probate and estate litigation matters. We are dedicated to offering clear guidance, a customized legal strategy, and relentless representation throughout a case, including if litigation is necessary. Our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience and have represented clients in countless estate litigation cases.

An Overview of Wills in California

Wills are some of the most common estate planning documents. In 2025, 24% of Americans have a will. Furthermore, older adults are more likely to have a will. 66% of adults in their 70s have created a will.

In 2024, the California Superior Court received 63,609 probate filings statewide. Many of these cases involved a will, which could have been used to appoint an executor, divide assets, and otherwise provide instructions for how the estate should be handled.

For a will to be valid, there are several steps that must be taken. First, it must be carefully drafted so that the language is clear and precise. It must also be signed by the testator and two witnesses. Additionally, the testator must be willing and able to create a will. If there is reason to believe that a will is not legally valid, then you may file a will contest.

When a Will May Not Be Valid

Under California’s will contest laws, there are several circumstances where a will may not be valid. This includes:

• Lack of testamentary capacity. When creating a will, a person must be in a mental state where they are able to understand their options, make informed decisions, and understand the consequences of the will. If an individual did not have this mental capacity, the will may not be valid, even if the individual signed it.
• Forgery or Fraud. Forged signatures or other deceptive conduct can invalidate a will.
• Conflicting documents. If estate planning documents conflict, the court must investigate to determine which one supersedes the other. Typically, a later valid will supersedes an earlier will. If an additional will or estate planning document was uncovered, this may warrant a will contest.
• Undue influence. This type of case involves another individual pressuring or manipulating the testator into changing or signing a will. This may be for the purpose of adding specific provisions or creating a will as a whole.
• Improper execution. There are strict rules on how to create a will. If there are issues with how the will was created, such as if it is not signed by the testator or if there were not two witnesses present, it may not be valid.

What to Do If You Believe a Will Is Not Valid

If you believe that a will is not legally valid, there are a couple of steps to take right away. First, collect evidence that could be used to support your claim. Depending on your case, this may include:

• The will
• Other estate planning documents
• Records of communication
• Medical records

Then, you should consult with a Granada Hills wills contest lawyer. They can review your evidence and identify whether there are grounds for contesting a will. If there is a reason that the will may not be valid, they can take the appropriate steps to file a petition with the court. Many of these cases in Granada Hills are handled through the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles.

FAQs

What Are the Odds of Winning a Contested Will?

The odds of proving a will contest case depend on the circumstances and facts of your case. Succeeding in this type of case can be difficult, as it requires sufficient evidence to prove your claim. If you hire a wills contest lawyer, they can review your case and explain the likelihood of success. They can also identify evidence and legal strategies that improve your odds of success.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Contest a Will?

To contest a will, you should work with a Granada Hills wills contest attorney. This type of attorney has experience with the will contest process, meaning they can explain the legal requirements and courtroom procedures you must be aware of. They also understand the will contest laws, which is important when building a strong case against the validity of a will.

Is it Worth it to Contest a Will?

Yes, if there is a legitimate issue with a will, it is worth it to contest its validity. If you do not, the instructions in the will may be followed, even if it does not align with the wishes of the deceased or if it causes future legal issues. If you are not sure whether contesting a will is worth it, you should speak to a Granada Hills wills contest lawyer who can offer advice specific to your case.

How Long Does Contesting a Will Usually Take?

There is no exact time that will contest cases take to be resolved. These cases often take several months to over a year, though it is entirely dependent on the facts of the case. Factors such as the court’s schedule, the complexity of the case, the type of claim against the will, and the number of individuals involved can all affect the case’s timeline.

Hire a Wills Contest Lawyer Who You Can Count On

It is impossible to move forward with probate fairly if the will used to outline the probate administration process is not valid. At Barry Law Group, we can help you understand whether a will is valid or not, and we can help you present your will contest case to the court. Contact us today to set up a consultation with a skilled Granada Hills wills contest attorney.