Will Litigation Attorney in Largo

Support When A Will Leads To Conflict

After a loss, discovering that a will is unexpected, confusing, or disputed can be deeply unsettling. You may be worried about honoring your loved one’s true wishes and protecting your own financial future, all while trying to keep family relationships from breaking down. In this situation, you may need guidance from a will litigation attorney Largo clients can rely on for clear advice and practical strategy.

At Preservation Law Firm, we help individuals, families, and personal representatives navigate will and estate disputes throughout Florida from our office in Largo. Led by Attorney Adam Rauman, we draw on decades of experience in estate and business law to evaluate your options and help you decide on the right path forward. We offer free consultations and are available for virtual meetings, so you can speak with us from wherever you are.

Take the first step today—call (727) 955-3872 or reach out online to book your free consultation with our will litigation attorneys in Largo.

When A Will Becomes A Dispute

Many people come to us because something about a will simply does not feel right. A parent may have signed a new will shortly before death that dramatically changes prior plans. A long-term child or spouse may be left out without explanation, or a new beneficiary may appear with a great deal of influence over the person who made the will. These situations create understandable concern.

You might also be named as a personal representative and find yourself defending the will against accusations from other family members. In that role, you are trying to follow legal requirements, protect the estate, and answer to the court, often while being blamed for decisions you did not make. Whether you are questioning a will or trying to uphold it, the stakes can feel very high.

We recognize that will disputes involve more than documents and statutes. They affect real families, long-standing relationships, and the financial stability of those left behind. Our goal is to listen carefully to your story, understand the dynamics involved, and then explain how Florida law may view the situation. From there, we help you decide whether negotiation, court action, or another approach fits your goals and tolerance for conflict.

How We Approach Will Litigation

When you contact our firm about a will dispute, we start by focusing on the big picture. We look at your loved one’s overall estate plan, the history of prior wills, the assets involved, and the relationships among family members and other beneficiaries. Because our practice combines estate, business, and financial insight, we are equipped to consider how decisions in litigation may affect real estate, business interests, and long-term financial stability.

Attorney Adam Rauman handles matters as a solo practitioner, so our clients work directly with a will litigation attorney who is responsible for their case. This structure allows us to build close working relationships and maintain consistent communication. We explain your options plainly, outline realistic potential paths, and work with you to choose a strategy that fits your circumstances. We strive to keep you informed at every stage, whether your case involves property in Largo or assets in other parts of Florida.

Our work in litigation is guided by practical goals. We aim to uphold valid wills, challenge documents that may not reflect true intent, and safeguard assets for the people who are legally entitled to them. Litigation is not always the first or only answer. Sometimes, a thoughtful negotiation or mediated resolution can achieve a fair outcome without a prolonged court battle. Other times, filing in court becomes necessary to protect rights before deadlines pass.

In will disputes, we commonly help clients with:

• Evaluating whether concerns about a will rise to the level of a legal challenge under Florida law
• Advising personal representatives who need to defend a will while complying with probate requirements
• Addressing conflicts that involve significant assets, such as closely held businesses, investment accounts, or real property
• Coordinating strategy for heirs who live outside Florida while the estate is probated in this area

If you are searching for a will litigation lawyer Largo families can turn to for steady guidance, our firm is prepared to discuss your situation and help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of each available option.

Grounds For Will Contests In Florida

Not every disagreement over inheritance justifies a legal challenge. Florida law recognizes specific grounds for contesting a will, and courts typically focus on these issues when deciding whether a document is valid. Understanding these grounds can help you decide whether your concerns might support a formal will contest or whether another approach is more appropriate.

One common issue is whether the person who signed the will had the mental capacity to understand what they were doing. Another frequent concern involves undue influence, which refers to a situation where someone exerts improper pressure on a vulnerable person, leading to a will that benefits the influencer. Questions can also arise about whether the will was properly signed and witnessed, or if a later will or codicil should control instead.

Common grounds to challenge a will in Florida include:

• Lack of capacity when the person signing did not understand the nature of the document, the assets involved, or the people who should reasonably be considered beneficiaries
• Undue influence occurs when a caregiver, relative, or other person uses pressure or manipulation to cause changes that favor them unfairly.
• Improper execution when required signing and witnessing formalities were not followed under Florida law
• Fraud or duress occurs when someone is deceived about what they are signing or is forced to sign against their will.
• Later wills or codicils, when a more recent valid document appears,t may override earlier versions.

Florida probate disputes are also subject to time limits. The deadlines that apply can depend on factors such as when you received notice of the administration or when particular filings were made with the court. Because these timelines can be strict, we encourage people with concerns to seek legal advice promptly. During a consultation, we review the available documents, listen to your account of events, and provide straightforward feedback about whether a contest may be supported under Florida law.

What To Expect In Will Litigation

Uncertainty about the process often keeps people from taking action. While every case is different, litigation in Florida generally follows certain stages. The process typically begins with a detailed review of the will, related estate planning documents, and the history of how the current plan came to be. We also look at medical records and other information when capacity or undue influence is at issue.

If a challenge is appropriate, we may file objections or other pleadings within the existing probate case. When an estate connected to Largo is opened, proceedings often move through the probate division of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Pinellas County. The court then oversees filings and hearings, and it may set deadlines for discovery, mediation, or other steps. If you are defending a will, we help you respond to these filings and present the information the court requires.

Discovery is the stage when parties exchange records and take depositions to learn more about the facts. At various points, the court may encourage or require mediation to see whether the parties can resolve their differences. Some disputes settle through these discussions, while others proceed to hearings or trial where the judge evaluates evidence and applies Florida law.

Throughout this process, our firm works to keep your role manageable. We can often handle many procedural steps on your behalf, updating you regularly by phone, email, or virtual meetings. This can be especially important if you live outside the Largo area or out of state. We discuss expected time frames based on the complexity of your case, the court’s schedule, and the level of cooperation among the parties, so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I can contest a will?

You can contest a will only if there is a legal ground, such as a lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. We review the will, the surrounding circumstances, and available records, then explain whether Florida law may support a challenge in your situation.

How quickly do I need to act in Florida?

Deadlines for will contests in Florida can be short, and they often begin when you receive formal notice of administration. Because specific time limits depend on the case, it is wise to speak with a will litigation attorney promptly so your rights are evaluated before important dates pass.

What will it cost to hire your firm?

We start with a free consultation to learn about your situation and discuss potential approaches. During that conversation, we explain how fees would work for your matter, based on factors such as complexity and expected litigation steps, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Can you help me if I live out of state?

Yes. Many heirs and beneficiaries live outside Florida while an estate is probated in this area. We use phone and virtual meetings to review documents, answer questions, and coordinate your role, so you can participate in a Florida probate dispute without needing to be here in person for every step.

Will going to court make my family conflict worse?

Court involvement can increase tension, but it can also bring structure and resolution when informal efforts fail. We discuss the potential impact with you, explore options like negotiation and mediation, and work to pursue a path that balances legal protection with awareness of family relationships.

Talk With A Largo Will Lawyer

If you are facing a disputed or uncertain will, you do not have to sort it out alone. The choices you make now can affect how your loved one’s estate is administered, whether their wishes are honored, and how secure your own financial position will be in the years ahead.

At Preservation Law Firm, we draw on decades of estate and business law experience to guide clients through will litigation and related probate disputes. From our office in Largo, we work with families throughout Florida, offering personal attention from Attorney Adam Rauman, clear explanations, and strategic planning. We provide free consultations and are available for virtual meetings, so it is easy to take the first step and learn about your options with a will litigation lawyer Largo residents can contact for steady, informed support.

Ready to get started? Call (727) 955-3872 or connect with us online for a free consultation with our will litigation lawyer in Largo.