From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Chester County Will Contest

Most Recently Updated August 6, 2018.

“I believe my brother got my father to change his Will using undue influence.  He filed the will with the Chester County Register of Wills. If I decide to challenge the Will, where is the trial? Is the process long?”

Chester County Will Contest

Chester County Will Contest

The Chester County Orphans’ Court Hears A Chester County Will Contest.

If the deceased person was a Chester County resident, then his Will is filed with the Chester County Register of Wills.  If you have standing to challenge the Will, a Chester County Orphans’ Court judge will hear the case.

See my website for more information about Will Challenges and Will Contests.

How to Start a Chester County Will Contest.

The Orphans’ Court is a particular court tasked with overseeing several types of cases, including Will Contests.  Your case will end up in the Orphans’ Court if you challenge the Will with a timely petition.  The process is complicated, and specific procedures required. Not following these procedures may result in dismissal.

See my website for my Article, Will Contests Explained for the Non-Lawyer: Everything You Need To Know.

Will Contests Sometimes Settle.

As to how long the Will Contest will take, there are many factors.  In many cases, Will Challenges settle before a trial.  It is costly to gather medical records and take depositions.  Some parties find it wise to compromise.  If the case ends, the parties could agree to terms in a matter of weeks or months.  Or it could be on the courthouse steps in West Chester minutes before trial.

A Chester County Will Contests Could Take Over a Year.

If a Will Challenge case progresses to trial, that process could easily take more than one year. A Will Challenge is a marathon, not a sprint.

Further Will Contest Questions?

Navigating the courts is one part of the Will Contest process. By all means, if you want to learn more, please read my more detailed article, Will Contests and Will Challenges All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Chester County Will Contest

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining Chester County Will Contest. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Will Contest Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Will Contest Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to put our 25 years of estate litigation experience to work for you.

Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Estate Litigation It’s All We Do!