Lawyers are taught that there are three events in life
which can and will bring out the worst in people: criminal,
divorce and death. I do not handle criminal or divorce
matters, but I do represent people involved in will (and
trust) contests, guardian and ward disputes, competency
hearings, and anything else which occurs when someone dies
or is incapacitated.
Unfortunately, there is often a fight over money, property
or who controls the estate of the deceased, and that can
involve children, stepchildren, spouses, ex-spouses, distant
relatives or anyone else who thinks they are entitled to
a piece of the pie, so to speak. It is amazing how people “come
out of the woodwork” when someone dies or can no
longer govern their own affairs. Sometimes, there is undue
influence or pressure which caused a deceased person to
leave property to undeserving individuals, or to cut out
family members. Then again, there are situations where
the deceased did not have the mental capacity and awareness
necessary to know who to leave property to. Very few areas
of law can cause the emotional strain prevalent in these
cases, which come in all shapes and sizes, with families
large and small.
They all involve very common human scenarios, but the
method and manner of handling them is not at all common.
So, it is important to retain a lawyer with knowledge of
the black letter law regulating wills and trusts, and who
is familiar with the many facets of contracts, real estate,
business, insurance and other areas of law which come into
play when dealing with a person’s possessions and
wishes for those left behind.
Ned Kimmelman, PA | 4755 Technology Way, Suite 203 | Boca Raton,
Florida 33431 | Tel: 561.488.2020 | Fax:
561.488.9955
