Inheritance Lawyers Helping Clients in Will Disputes and Estate Litigation in Astoria, NY

Everyone in New York City has an estate of some kind, but few people take the necessary legal steps to protect their assets and make things easier for their loved ones. Eventually, all estates are passed on—and without proper planning, that process can be complicated, expensive, and emotional.

Without a legally sound estate plan, such as a will or trust, there’s no guarantee your assets will go to your intended beneficiaries. Your estate could go through probate court, where the court and state law decide how to distribute your property.

Even when a valid will exists, disputes can still arise. One or more individuals may challenge the document, sometimes for valid reasons. These situations are often emotionally charged, and they can create lasting rifts among family members. If you’re involved in a will dispute or want to avoid drawn-out litigation, it’s important to work with an experienced estate litigation attorney.

Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP helps clients across New York City, including those in the Astoria area, with legal issues involving wills, trusts, and estate litigation. If you need assistance with a will contest or probate dispute, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Common Legal Grounds to Contest a Will in New York

Even carefully prepared wills can be challenged. New York law recognizes several valid reasons why an interested party might contest a will:

Five Common Reasons to Contest a Will:

• Fraud: The will doesn’t reflect the true intentions of the person who signed it, or the testator didn’t realize they were signing a will.
• Improper Execution: If the will was not signed correctly—such as without the required number of witnesses—it may be ruled invalid.
• Lack of Testamentary Capacity: The testator must have understood what they were signing. If they were mentally impaired, the will could be contested.
• Revocation: The will may have been revoked and replaced, or revoked without a new version being created.
• Undue Influence: If someone pressured or manipulated the testator into writing or changing a will, it may be declared invalid.

Are You Seeking to Defend a Will in Astoria?

If you are the executor of an estate or a named beneficiary, and someone is trying to contest the will, you may need to defend its validity. In these situations, hiring an experienced estate litigation attorney can help protect your interests.

Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP assists clients with will defense by helping gather necessary documents, preparing for court, and arguing the case in Surrogate’s Court.

Are You Hoping to Challenge a Will?

If you believe a will is fraudulent, legally flawed, or unfair, you may have grounds to contest it. You may be a family member who was unexpectedly disinherited, a creditor who is owed money, or a loved one who believes the testator was taken advantage of.

Whatever your situation, these matters are often complex and emotional. It’s important to work with an attorney who understands probate law and Surrogate’s Court procedures in New York.

Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP represents clients throughout the city, including Astoria, in challenging wills and navigating other estate disputes. Contact us to learn more about how we can help protect your rights.

Contact the Inheritance Attorneys of Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP

Will contests and estate litigation are rarely simple—and they often involve strong emotions, long-standing family dynamics, and complex legal questions. While some cases can be resolved privately, working with an experienced attorney gives you the best chance at achieving a fair outcome and avoiding unnecessary harm to family relationships.

Ortiz & Ortiz, LLP has represented clients in Astoria and throughout New York City for decades. We help individuals handle disputes over inheritance, probate matters, and contested wills. If you need legal guidance, contact us at 916-796-1858 to schedule a consultation.