Estate planning disputes can arise in any situation and based on any number of facts. However, one situation where disagreement is far more likely to arise is when planning steps are taken, gifts are made, or other actions pursued while an individual is on their death-bed or known to be very sick. Naturally, observers are skeptical of these actions, because they are more likely to involve fraud, mistake, coercion or other means.
That does not mean that all death-bed actions are unenforceable. On the contrary, many Wills are and signed and trusts created at just this time specifically because one wishes to get their affairs in order near the end. However, because of the potential for abuse and the natural skepticism, estate cases frequently involve last minute actions.
Was It a Legitimate Gift?
Consider, for example, a case discussed today in the Morning Sentinel. A former university professor died recently, leaving virtually all of his wealth to the university itself. The only exceptions were his car and a few valuable personal belongings that he left to his friend, a man named Daniel Toto.
However, a dispute is brewing regarding a check that the professor allegedly wrote to Toto for $100,000 a week before his death. When Toto went to the bank to cash the check–two days after the death–the bank refused to honor it. That is because the personal representative for the professor’s estate (the executor) challenged the authenticity of the signature on the check.All of this has led to a lawsuit filed by Toto against the estate and the bank seeking to have the check honored.
It seems that the professor did a good amount of planning near the end of his life, as his Will itself was only signed about two months before his death. This may suggest that the $100,000 check was simply another action taken by the professor near the end to distribute his property according to his wishes.
On the other hand, the Will apparently lays out the professor’s wishes in “meticulous detail.” This may lead some to question why he would engage in such “off-the-cuff” actions (like writing a $100,000 check) if his other affairs were so neatly organized.
This particular case is an example of the scope of issues that may arise in these matters. Even when the Will is not challenged, as it does not appear to be in this case, ancillary issues (like a large check) may pop up and raise questions about one’s actual wishes.