If there are reasonable grounds to contest a will, and you have legal standing, you can challenge it in the Alberta courts.
However, estate litigation is no simple process, and it can be stressful for families.
A will is a legal document, and the court requires significant proof to overturn its contents. Most people require the help of experienced estate litigators to navigate the processes.
At Vest Estate Lawyers in Alberta, we can help you or a family member contest a will in the Alberta courts.
Who can contest a will?
Before deciding to contest a will, familiarize yourself with the basic guidelines for the dispute process.
Challenges to wills take up precious court time and have the power to tear families apart.
So before a case will be heard, there are certain expectations regarding who can file estate litigation and the reasons they have for doing so.
Firstly, you must have legal standing to contest a will in the Alberta courts. The following individuals are generally eligible to do so:
- A spouse or adult interdependent (common law) partner
- Adult children
- A beneficiary or other person with a financial interest in the estate who can demonstrate that interest in a previous will
- Attorneys under an enduring power of attorney
- Heirs if a person dies intestate
- The Public Trustee
- Trustees of represented adults
Conan Taylor
MANAGING PARTNER
Conan Taylor is the founding Managing Partner of Vest Estate Law, a boutique firm specializing in wills and estates across Alberta and BC. Rather than active practice, Conan focuses on team building and strategic growth of the firm’s presence. A former Canadian Armed Forces pilot, he holds degrees from the University of Alberta and Queen’s University. His leadership has established Vest Estate Law as a premier resource for comprehensive estate planning, administration, and litigation services.
