Choosing The Wrong Lawyer = Wrong Path = Wasted Funds
Dealing with a loved one’s estate after they pass away can be emotionally tough. It gets even harder when things go wrong legally. Recently, we saw a case that shows why it’s so important to engage an estate administration lawyer who really knows estate law.
Imagine a scenario where a person we will call, “Arthur”, was the stepfather of a young man (“John”) recently deceased. Arthur raised John since infancy. There was sadly no will and no one willing or able to administer John’s estate, so it fell to Arthur, illustrating the need for an estate administration lawyer in such situations.
Arthur initially engaged a solicitor with expertise in commercial law, not estate law. This well-intentioned choice proved to be a costly misstep.
Despite significant time and financial investment, no progress was made. The solicitor, recognizing their limitations, sought the assistance of a barrister. Unfortunately, the barrister’s advice was profoundly flawed. Their analysis of relevant case law was inaccurate, and the barristers recommended course of action was to lodge a family provision claim—that was wrong.
With the deadline for filing legal claims looming, the initial legal team ceased acting for Arthur and told him to find another lawyer. Arthur was left with nothing to show for his substantial expenditure. Thousands of dollars had been wasted, including a significant sum paid for the barrister’s erroneous advice.
Frustrated and desperate, Arthur acting on the recommendation of a friend turned to Madsen Law. This firm, specializing in estate law, quickly identified the correct path forward. Instead of a family provision claim, we recognized that Arthur needed to be appointed administrator of the estate under a specific legal rule. This was achieved successfully, resolving the issue and providing Arthur with the legal standing he required to administer the estate.
What can we learn from Arthur’s story?
- Choose a Specialist: Estate law is tricky, You need an estate lawyer who knows it well. A general lawyer might not have the right skills.
- Bad Advice Costs Money: Wrong legal advice wastes time and money. Check your lawyer’s experience.
- Time is Important: Estate cases have deadlines. Don’t wait, seek assistance immediately.
- Get a Second Opinion: If you’re not happy with your lawyer, find a specialist.
Madsen Law’s success shows that getting the right lawyer for estate matters is crucial. Their expertise can make a huge difference.
