When a loved one dies, it's natural for families to want to honor their final wishes. But sometimes, the estate planning process doesn't go as smoothly as hoped. If you find yourself in a situation where you're considering hiring an estate litigation lawyer, here are five common scenarios.

1. The will is contested

If someone dies without a will, or if the will is determined to be invalid, their estate will be distributed according to state intestacy laws. This can often lead to family members fighting over who gets what. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to seek legal counsel early on. An experienced estate litigation lawyer can help you navigate the complex probate process and protect your interests.

2. There's a dispute over the estate's assets

If the deceased person left behind a will, their estate will be distributed according to their wishes. But sometimes, there can be disputes over what those wishes were or how they should be interpreted. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can help you protect your interests and resolve the dispute.

3. You're being denied your inheritance

In some cases, beneficiaries may be denied their inheritances entirely. If this happens, it's important to hire an attorney right away. An experienced estate litigation lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for what you're entitled to.

4. The executor is mishandling the estate

If you're named as the executor of an estate, it's your responsibility to carry out the deceased person's wishes. But sometimes, executors make mistakes or act inappropriately. If you suspect that the executor is mishandling the estate, it's important to seek legal counsel immediately. An executor can mishandle the estate by mismanaging assets, failing to pay debts or taxes, or selling property without the permission of the beneficiaries. An experienced lawyer can help you protect the estate and ensure that it's being managed properly.

5. You need to file a claim against the estate

In some cases, you may need to file a claim against the estate in order to receive what you're owed. This can happen if the executor fails to pay debts or taxes, or if they sell property without the permission of the beneficiaries. By hiring an experienced estate litigation lawyer, you can ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that you have a strong case.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in any of the above situations, it's important to seek legal counsel right away. An experienced estate litigation lawyer can help you protect your interests and resolve the dispute. For more information, contact a firm like The Cormac McEnery Law Firm PLLC.