An estate plan should reflect your current life circumstances, values, and wishes—but those things can change over time. In other cases, family members may believe a loved one’s will or trust doesn’t reflect their true intentions. Whether you need to revise an outdated estate plan or challenge a questionable one, the estate lawyers at Leitner Warywoda are here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

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Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan

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If you already have a will, trust, or other estate planning documents in place, it's smart to review them regularly—especially after major life events. You may need to update your plan if:

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• You got married, divorced, or remarried

• You had a child or grandchild

• A spouse or beneficiary passed away

• Your financial situation changed significantly

• Your relationship with named heirs or executors shifted

• You moved to or from New York

• New tax laws or estate rules took effect

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We can help you amend or restate your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current goals and avoids unnecessary probate or disputes.

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Contesting a Will or Trust in New York

 

Sometimes, estate plans are created or modified under suspicious circumstances. If you believe a loved one was pressured, manipulated, or lacked mental capacity when they signed their will or trust, you may have legal grounds to contest the estate plan.

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Common reasons to challenge a will or trust include:

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• Undue influence by a caregiver, friend, or family member

• Lack of capacity due to dementia, illness, or impairment

• Fraud or forgery

• Improper execution (e.g., missing signatures or witnesses)

• Newer estate planning documents that conflict with earlier ones

 

Our team investigates these claims and represents clients on both sides of estate litigation—whether you're defending a valid plan or seeking justice after wrongdoing.

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Resolving Estate Disputes Without Court Battles

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Not every dispute has to result in a courtroom battle. We often resolve estate disagreements through mediation or negotiated settlements, helping families avoid prolonged litigation and protect family relationships. When necessary, however, our attorneys are fully prepared to advocate for you in Surrogate’s Court to assert your rights or challenge unfair decisions.

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NYC & Long Island Estate Lawyers You Can Trust

 

At Leitner Warywoda, we believe estate plans should be living documents that evolve with your life—and we believe families deserve a fair and honest process when questions arise. Whether you’re making proactive updates or fighting for what’s right, our experienced estate planning and probate lawyers are here to help.