Mr. Goodwin is everything you want in an attorney: professional, honest, thorough, and genuinely caring. He always explains things clearly, so I understood exactly what was happening and what to expect next. His attention to detail and persistence really stood out. Looking back, I feel lucky to have found him. He guided me through the whole process expertly, and I deeply appreciate all his hard work. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.
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Unclear Will or Trust in New York
A well-written will or trust should be clear and easy to understand. It specifies which assets go to which beneficiaries, and what happens when circumstances change. When a will or trust is unclear, the beneficiaries will start a court proceeding for construction or reformation, asking the court to interpret the will or trust.
What is an Ambiguity in a Will or Trust
Here are some examples of an ambiguity in a will or trust:
- The decedent left the house to “my sister” or “to John”
- The decedent left a bank account to “Christian Charities” without specifying a particular one
- The executor left a building to his son John but did not specify which building
- The executor named in the trust is no longer alive
Reformation If there is no way to determine the intent of the deceased, the court might insert its own words into the document. This process is called “reformation”.
Call the Law Offices of Albert Goodwin at (212) 233-1233 to make an appointment to discuss your will or trust contest.
Law Offices of
Albert Goodwin, PLLC
31 W 34 Str, Suite 7058
New York, NY 10001
Tel. 212-233-1233
About the Author
Albert Goodwin, Esq. is a licenced New York attorney with over 15 years of courtroom experience. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him well-qualified to write authoritative articles on a wide range of legal topics.
