Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 3 – Fraud

This week I’m sharing a blog from the office of Mike Wakshull, a forensic document examiner. I’ll be sharing blogs from Mike Wakshull in this space from time to time.

Now, here’s the blog from Mike Wakshull:

Blog Author: Mike Wakshull, MS, CQE, CISA, PMP

You see an unfamiliar signature on a will or trust that was allegedly signed by a deceased relative. You suspect the signature on a trust or will is not legitimate. There are steps you can take before engaging the expense of hiring a forensic document examiner to determine whether the signature is legitimate.

Many people’s signatures change over time due to age-related problems, changes in health, injury, and other causes. Some people’s signatures are virtually identical over time. To determine the consistency of the person’s signature, collect 15 or more signatures written by the deceased relative within two or three years of the signature in question. These signatures should span the date of this signature. This shows whether the person’s signature is consistent or has changed.

Read more: https://www.aaepa.com/2019/12/reasons-an-estate-plan-could-be-challenged-part-3-fraud/

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Stephanie Steele

Stephanie has been practicing in the Cobb County area since 2006. Her professional work focuses on family and probate law, and she serves as a Guardian ad Litem in both the Superior and Probate courts. Stephanie is very engaged in both the legal and the local community. Her volunteer work has been recognized at both the county and state level.

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