Probate and Tax Litigation

Despite the best laid plans, sometimes a beneficiary who feels they did not get what they think they deserve, pursue a Will contest, hoping to receive more if the Will is thrown out by the Probate Court. Or hoping to shake down the legitimate beneficiaries for a payoff to make the contestant withdraw their claim. 

In Connecticut, probate court litigation is usually accomplished more quickly and with less formality than in a civil court. This is because probate courts usually do not adhere to the strict rules of evidence that you see in civil court lawsuits and on television.

Sometimes the IRS will think your assets are worth more than you do at your death, and will try to levy an estate tax that your executor thinks is too high or unfair. The IRS has a very structured procedure to contest an estate tax and attorneys must be admitted to the Tax Court to practice before it.