One of the popular ways to build wealth in your family is through inheritance. Passing down assets and property from generation to generation is a popular practice and has been going on for hundreds of years. However, a stolen inheritance can jeopardize your financial future as well as your child’s. If someone has stolen your inheritance, you may be able to take legal action.
If you suspect someone has wrongfully taken the property you were entitled to, you can get it back by collecting sufficient evidence. To do this, you might want to work with a lawyer specializing in probate law. Recovering lost inheritance can be complex, but you do not need to go through it alone. Contact an attorney and schedule a free initial consultation today.
What is considered inheritance theft?
The Will contains information about the estate owner’s wishes and which properties they want to pass down to which family members. If the Will includes a trust, it should also contain the names of the beneficiaries. However, the Executor of the Will and the Trustee have certain duties and powers they can abuse.
Inheritance theft can occur in various forms, including the following:
- Taking assets from the deceased’s estate without permission or reporting to anyone.
- Charging excessive fees for fulfilling the duties of an Executor or Trustee.
- Diverting assets in a trust for one’s own benefit.
In some cases, a family member may have undue influence to divert assets that should be in your inheritance. This may take place in the following ways:
- Forcing or coercing someone to sign a will or trust.
- Stealing something physically, such as cash, jewelry, art, and other valuables.
- Fraud or forgery of the will or trust documents.
- Access to financial accounts.
Steps to take back your stolen inheritance
-
Keep the documents with you.
If someone else has your inheritance, ensure you have the good documents so you can get it back from them anytime you need to. Keep all records of communication. It is best to communicate with them in written form, such as through emails or text messages. Whenever you suspect unusual activities, note down the dates and times and other related information.
-
Seek legal help with a probate attorney.
Sometimes the theft is not intentional and is a genuine mistake, so you should consider asking for the property back directly. However, if that does not work, you may need to work with a probate attorney. They can provide guidance and assistance on what you can do to get your property back.
