When it comes to matters of the estate, Florida residents should be able to write down exactly what they wish to have happen with themselves and their assets after their passing. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of a person in their worst time to get what they want. Today, we at Dickman Law Firm will look into undue influence and what it can mean for you and your loved one.
Undue influence is a situation in which someone employs manipulative and underhanded tactics in order to control the thoughts or opinions of another individual. In relation to wills and estate planning, the manipulator is usually doing this in order to change something about a will, trust, or so on in a way that benefits them. They may want to be written into it if they aren’t already, or they may want a larger portion of assets than what they are currently getting.
Signs of undue influence can be hard to pick up on at first due to the manipulative tactics being used. Keep an eye out for the following:
- The manipulator isolating your loved one, such as denying you visits because they are “too tired”
- The manipulator inserting themselves into your loved one’s business, such as insisting they handle all matters themselves
- The manipulator keeping a close eye on all affairs related to your loved one, being pushy and controlling
If you believe that your loved one is the victim of undue influence, it may be important to seek professional help. This way, you can protect your loved one and have their true wishes represented accurately in their end of life plans.
