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Will Contest Attorney Fort Myers

Contesting the Validity of a Will

When there is a death in the family, it is not uncommon for old emotions, long swept under the rug, to resurface. In some cases, long-forgotten disagreements are reignited by the death of a loved one when the contents of their will is revealed. At Powell, Jackman & Ricciardi, P.A., we represent beneficiaries and personal representatives in will contests.

As Fort Myers probate advocates, we have handled contentious issues involving wills and the contents thereof, and we are here to provide you with the personalized, tailored representation you need and deserve. Our mission is to provide you with unparalleled legal service that won’t just meet your expectations, but will exceed them. Call us today to see how we can specifically assist you and your family.

Valid Grounds for Contesting a Will

Wills are essential estate planning documents that control the disposition of one’s property upon death. Because Florida law wants to ensure that a decedent’s creditors are paid and the beneficiaries receive their rightful share, Florida wills are admitted to probate – a court-supervised process for validating a will and settling an estate.

By their nature, wills are subject to fraud and undue influence, and because the court wants to ensure that a decedent’s wishes are carried out, surviving family members have the right to challenge a will in the case of:

  • Undue influence
  • Lack of testamentary capacity
  • Fraud

Important Deadlines for Challenging a Will

In Florida, a person may challenge the validity of a will before the probate process is complete; however, if a will has not been submitted, it can be challenged regardless of how much time has elapsed. Once a will has been admitted to probate court and the probate process is ongoing, the deadline will depend on whether or not the person contesting the will received notice about the will.

Work with Our Fort Myers Attorney – (239) 970-6844

To contest a will, a Petition for the Revocation of Probate must be filed with the probate court. Any interested person, including a beneficiary under the will, may file this petition. Pending the revocation of probate, the personal representative shall continue administrating the estate, except there will be no distribution of any property that would be distributed to a different person if the will contest is successful. Whether you are a beneficiary or a personal representative, Your Advocates will stand for your rights and protect your interests throughout the court process.

Client satisfaction is our top priority, contact our Fort Myers lawyers today to learn how we can help you! We offer discounts for AARP members!

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William M. Powell, Esq.

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Rita M. Jackman

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Richard M. Ricciardi, Jr.

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Mellany Marquez-Kelly

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Megan Hickey

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Your Advocates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

“I found her to be very professional, easy to work with and will definitely recommend her to others.”

I have consulted with Rita on two separate occasions for guidance and advice as an employee who has had to navigate corporate non-compete agreements in order to maintain a clear path for future endeavors. Rita was able to answer my questions, educate me on my options and provide solid feedback and revisions to relevant documents. I found her to be very professional, easy to work with and will definitely recommend her to others.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Greg

“I absolutely would recommend this practice to anyone needing help and support legally.”

What a wonderful group of people. Rita Jackman is amazing and helpful. My divorce was quick and easy. I absolutely would recommend this practice to anyone needing help and support legally. Thank you.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Bobbi T.

“Great price, very professional.”
Great price, very professional.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Former Client

“He helped make a very stressful situation manageable.”

I had to find an attorney to help me navigate the legal issues involved in selling my Mom’s house without a realtor. Mr. Riccardi was knowledgeable, helpful, available, and reasonable. He helped make a very stressful situation manageable. I appreciate all the help he and his staff gave me. Thanks, guys!!!

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Lori T.

“All about the client.”

The best as well as the smartest decision I ever made. Rita Jackman and her team took on big insurance and got results. All about the client. Always available for me, any questions I needed answers. Did what was best for me, not themselves. Treated me with respect always had my family’s best interest in mind at all times. Never gave up and fought for my family. I recommend them to any family or friends.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Michael B.

“Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did.”

Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Mark Z.

“I placed my full trust in Rita and she delivered above and beyond.”

Highly recommend Rita Jackman! She was extremely helpful during one of the most stressful and confusing times. Never once did I have to worry about how to handle the next steps as she and her team kept proactive and helpful communication throughout the entire post-accident process. I placed my full trust in Rita and she delivered above and beyond. I will always be grateful for her and her team. Having the representation of Rita means that you are in fully capable hands. I was able to take care of my injuries, relax, and let her focus on the hard part! THANK YOU x1000! You will not go wrong with her representation.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Emily

“She has earned our loyal business.”

We were introduced to Rita Jackman by a friend over one year ago and she has represented us now 4-5 times. We just went through a lengthy litigation and I could not tell you how pleased I am that we chose her. She has earned our loyal business.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I review first about wills?
Start with the purpose of the document, what assets or wishes it covers, and what connected documents may also matter.
?Why do will-related pages often connect to probate or trusts?
Because wills can overlap with estate administration, planning updates, and trust-related decisions.
?When should a will be reviewed?
A review often makes sense after major life changes or when your current documents no longer reflect your wishes.
?What should I review after this page?
Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.
?Why are related pages important here?
Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.
Powered by bestseo.solutions

- Williamson Brothers

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