Inheritance hijacking occurs regularly and can happen to anyone. This offense refers to situations in which someone steals your inheritance and can be especially devastating when you are in the process of grieving a loved one who recently passed away. However, with the help of a premier trust or probate litigation firm, you can recover the inheritance that was stolen from you. With a seasoned attorney by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in expert hands so you can focus on what matters most – securing your financial future and moving on.
“When someone steals your inheritance, they are stealing more than just a dollar amount – they are stealing the legacy your loved one left behind and your future financial security,” said Nicholas D. Porrazzo, a Partner at Gokal Law Group who is an expert in trust and probate litigation. He was named a Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Star 2024 for his passion for delivering the best service to families during sensitive times and leaving no stone unturned.
What is Inheritance Hijacking?
Inheritance hijacking, or inheritance theft, refers to a situation when a person steals assets from an estate intended to be left to another party.
Inheritance hijacking can take many different forms, such as:
- Someone exerting undue influence over a person and convincing them to name them an heir.
- Someone forging documents to change the nature of a will or trust.
- Someone emotionally manipulating a person to receive a larger portion of their estate, which can include bad-mouthing and casting aspersions on relatives to receive a larger share.
- Someone taking undocumented loans and later claiming that they were gifts.
- Someone stealing physical items from a decedent’s home before or after death.
- A marriage made under false pretenses to allow someone to financially benefit from the decedent’s passing.
- Someone abusing a power of attorney authority to misuse or steal the decedent’s assets.
- Someone hiding assets from the estate to prevent the distribution to rightful beneficiaries.
Is Inheritance Hijacking a Crime?
Inheritance hijacking is a crime, and victims of this crime can seek extensive damages when this crime occurs. People who commit this crime risk being disinherited and could even be responsible for your attorney’s fees and additional costs if litigation ensues.
Depending on the amount they steal, inheritance hijacking could even be a felony. In California, stealing becomes a felony when the value stolen exceeds $950.
Related Article: Can a Trustee Go to Jail for Stealing from a Trust?
What Are Signs of Inheritance Hijacking?
If you are wondering if you are dealing with a case of inheritance hijacking, some signs include:
- Suspicious changes in the will or trust: If you learn the deceased made changes in their will or trust in the last days without informing anyone, this could signal someone took advantage of them, especially if they were ill or lacked the mental capacity to make these changes.
- No documentation: The executor or trustee must document everything about how they administer and manage the estate or trust. If you find gaps in record-keeping or sense a general lack of capacity, it’s time to ask some questions.
- Different versions of the will or trust: If multiple copies of the will or trust exist with conflicting instructions, this could indicate tampering or forgery.
- Surprise debts: If you suddenly find out the deceased owed money to people you’ve never heard of, this could be a red flag. These debts could be a way to siphon money from the estate.
Ultimately, there are countless red flags that signal that you might have been conned out of your inheritance by a bad actor. Suspicious new friends in the decedent’s life before they passed away or the mysterious disappearance of valuables are also red flags.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Inheritance Hijacking?
As soon as you suspect that inheritance hijacking has occurred, it’s crucial to contact a trust or probate litigation attorney. They will investigate the theft, file legal claims on your behalf, negotiate settlements if possible, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Contacting a lawyer is essential to enforcing your rights. By hiring a lawyer, you substantially increase your chances of recovering your stolen inheritance and holding the bad actors accountable.
Related Article: How Gokal Law Groups Helps Clients Succeed in Litigation
Have you Fallen Victim to Inheritance Hijacking? We Can Help.
At Gokal Law Group, we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients and ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their wishes so that they get the inheritance they deserve. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate complex legal issues, including litigation when inheritance hijacking occurs. We will fight to protect your interests and hold guilty parties accountable. Don’t let the legacy of your loved one and your financial security be stolen.
Schedule a consultation today to take back the inheritance you’re entitled to.
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