One of the reasons a will may be challenged is because someone suspects that it was forged. People may attempt to forge a will to personally benefit from the deceased’s estate. A forged will may be hard to spot, especially when people use artificial intelligence to make convincing copies of legal documents. However, it is not impossible to spot a fake will.
Spotting a forged will can take time, cross-examination of legal documents and an experienced eye. There are a few common mistakes fraudsters often make when forging a will. Here is what you should know:
1. Document changes
A testator may have created several wills during their life. As they made changes to their will, they may have used similar legal papers, ink colors and formatting. If there are major inconsistencies with the creation and structure of a will, the validity of a will may need to be examined.
2. Changes in signature
People often use similar signatures throughout their life. Some people have very stylized signatures that are hard to recreate. If the testator’s signature does not look genuine, such as shaky strokes or digitally recreated, then a will may be valid.
3. Date of will creation
It may be important to consider the date a will was drafted when examining it for forgery. If a will was dated just before a testator passed away or shortly after, then the will may not be genuine.
4. Conflicting wishes
A testator may have created a will that contradicts many of their wishes in previous drafts. These contradictions may demonstrate that a will is not real, especially if the changes broadly benefit one person.
Strong evidence that a will is forged could lead to a significant legal dispute. Professional guidance can help address your concerns — but should be obtained quickly.
