Start Here: Do I Have a Probate Case?

For a living trust, this is usually called a Notification of Trustee. For a will, it’s often a Notification to Administer Estate.

Question 1: Have you received formal notice about the estate?

🚀 Yes

⚠️ No

❓ I'm not sure.

The typical deadline to take legal action is 120 days, so timing is critical.

Question 2: If you did receive formal notice, how long ago was it?

🚀 Less than 120 days ago

⚠️ More than 120 days ago

❓ I'm not sure.

🚫 N/A

(Choose the one that fits you most closely.)

Question 3: What is your connection to the person who passed away or their estate?

🚀 I am an heir — someone who would inherit if there was no will or trust (like a spouse or child).

🚀 I am a named beneficiary in the trust or will (even if I’m receiving less than expected).

🚀 I was mentioned in a previous version of the trust or will.

🚀 I’m a creditor — the person who died owed me money.

🚀 I’m acting on behalf of someone else who is an heir or beneficiary (like a parent for a minor).

⚠️ I’m a friend, neighbor, or unrelated caregiver, not mentioned in the trust or will.

❓ I’m not sure how I’m classified.

(Check all that apply.)

Question 4: Why do you believe the trust or will might not be valid?

🚀 I believe someone pressured or manipulated the person who created the trust or will (undue influence).

🚀 I believe the person who created the document didn’t understand what they were signing or had memory problems (lack of capacity).

🚀 I suspect someone financially exploited the person before they died.

🚀 I think the documents might be forged, fraudulent, or tampered with.

🚀 There were suspicious last-minute changes that cut out heirs or greatly changed the distribution.

⚠️ Assets seem to be missing or hidden.

⚠️ I believe the trustee or executor isn’t managing things properly (possible breach of fiduciary duty).

❓ I'm not sure, but something feels off.

🚫 None of these apply.