Requirements For Challenging a Will Based on Incapacity In Oklahoma

Probating a loved ones estate sometimes involves an emotional component that makes an already difficult time event harder. Because of this, challenging a will based on incapacity is one of the most sensitive issues that can arise. It should be a time to honor a loved ones whishes regarding their assets. Most times their will is a reflection of their wishes, hopes and dreams. Sometimes, if there are concerns about the testator’s mental capacity at the time of the creation or modification of the will, it may be necessary to challenge its validity. In this blog post we will take a deep dive into the nuances associated with estate planning and challenging a will based on incapacity in Oklahoma

Understanding Mental Capacity

Before you challenge someone’s incapacity, it’s critical to understand exactly what mental capacity is as it relates to wills. In the context of estate planning and will creation, mental capacity refers to the individual’s ability to understand the nature of what they are doing when they create their will. This reflects if they understand what assets they own and have an understanding of who they are making the beneficiary of their estate. When a person makes a will its sometimes said that they must possess the same capacity is as needed to understand a contract. If at the time of the will creation the testator doesn’t understand the gravity of what they are doing they may not have capacity.

Grounds for Challenging a Will Based on Incapacity

Challenging a will on the basis of incapacity typically involves demonstrating that the testator lacks the mental capacity to execute or amend their will at the time of it’s creation or modification. Some common grounds for contesting a will on the basis of incapacity include:

1. Cognitive Impairment: Evidence that the testator suffered from conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other mental illnesses that may have impaired their cognitive functioning at the time of will execution. The key here is that the incapacity exists at the time the will executes.
2. Undue Influence: Suspicions that the testator receives unduly influence by another individual to make decisions that did not align with their true intentions. This is especially true if the testator was vulnerable due to mental incapacity. Vulnerability can be demonstrated by a multitude of factors.
3. Coercion or Fraud: Allegations that the testator was coerced or deceived into signing or amending their will against their wishes, often involving manipulation or deceit by another party. Trickery is often times part of coercion or fraud. If the loved one was lied to or told what they were signing was in fact different than what they believed this is fraud and coercion.

Initiating the Challenge Process

Challenging a will based on incapacity typically involves filing a legal action known as a will contest inside the probate case. The process may vary depending on jurisdiction, but generally involves the following steps:

1. Gathering Evidence: Challenging a will based on incapacity requires collecting evidence to support your claim the claim of incapacity. This evidence relates to many things including medical records, financial records and more. It may also involve testimony from potential witnesses and gathering other expert testimony supporting the capacity of the testator.
2. Filing a Petition: Drafting and filing the petition. The petition will provided notice to the other side and it will lay out some of the basis for the will challenge. This is filed in the Court with proper jurisdiction and this is where the probate is filed. The petition may also include some exhibits and other things the local rules require in the court.
3. Legal Proceedings: Engaging in legal proceedings, which may include hearings, depositions, and the presentation of evidence before a judge or jury.
4. Resolution: The court will ultimately decide whether the will is valid or invalid based on the evidence presented. Depending on the circumstances of you case this may done after a trial where the probate judge decides based on the facts presented. If the court deems the will invalid due to incapacity, the court may revert to a previous valid will or intestacy laws to determine asset distribution.

Tulsa Oklahoma Probate Attorneys In Your Corner

Challenging a will based on Incapacity is a significant undertaking that requires careful consideration of legal, medical, and ethical factors. Cases involving a will challenge in Oklahoma require the testimony of expert witnesses depositions and other discovery of legal records and facts. While it can be a complex and emotional process, it is essential to ensure the honoring of the final wishes of the deceased and that their estate distributes according to their true intentions. To get a Free and confidential consultation with a Tulsa will contest and probate lawyer at Kania Law Office call 918.743.2233 or click here to send an email.