Forgery in Estate Documents and What to Do About It

Meant to provide peace of mind, estate documents are drafted so that a person’s final wishes are honored and their assets are distributed as intended. Yet that peace can be disrupted when someone suspects that a will, trust, or other estate document has been forged or tampered with.

In Florida, forgery in estate planning is a serious matter that can invalidate key documents and lead to significant legal consequences. Knowing the warning signs of forgery and how to respond to suspicions with support from a Palm Harbor estate planning lawyer is essential for protecting a loved one’s legacy.

Common Indicators of Forgery

Forgery occurs when someone intentionally creates, alters, or signs a legal document without authorization, and they do so in order to deceive others. Under Florida law, these acts are not only unethical but potentially criminal. A forged will or trust can be declared invalid. Individuals responsible for the fraud could face charges for forgery, fraud, or exploitation of an elderly person.

Because most people aren’t handwriting experts, it’s easy to miss subtle red flags. Still, certain signs may suggest something isn’t right:

• Signature inconsistencies. The signature on the will or trust looks shaky, mismatched, or out of character compared to other known samples.
• Unusual witnesses. The witnesses or notary are strangers to the family or have ties to one particular beneficiary.
• Sudden or suspicious changes. A previously consistent estate plan is abruptly altered near the end of life, especially if those changes benefit one person disproportionately.
• Missing pages or alterations. Pages appear replaced, stapled differently, or include handwritten edits, changes that are not officially authorized by the signer.
• Unexplained delays in disclosure. The new will or trust surfaces unexpectedly after the person’s death, with no explanation as to where it came from or when it was executed.

If you believe someone has taken illegal liberties with a will, trust, or other estate document, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Keep all original copies of documents, correspondence, and any known handwriting samples of the deceased. Do not make markings or alterations on the originals.

Shielding Your Family’s Future from Loss

Bring the documents you have to the attention of a Palm Harbor estate planning lawyer. An attorney can review your documents, evaluate your concerns, and determine if there are grounds for a court challenge. Florida beneficiaries and heirs can contest a forged or fraudulent will during the probate process. Timing is critical, there are deadlines for filing objections.

When something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts and seek professional help. Forgery in estate documents can threaten your family’s financial stability and emotional peace. A knowledgeable legal professional can investigate, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate for a fair outcome. Then, your loved one’s true wishes can be respected and justice can prevail.

Did you experience a shock when you looked over a loved one’s updated estate plan? Share your alarm about a Palm Harbor, FL or Pinellas County, FL estate with the qualified attorneys at Miaoulis Law. Book a confidential consultation today.