From Dow Jones & Company:



The article discusses the complicated legal and ethical issues surrounding the estate of the author’s stepfather, who passed away from brain cancer. The stepfather, on the day he died, signed an addendum to his trust leaving everything to the author’s sister and cutting out his three stepdaughters, which seems highly inappropriate given his condition. The author has been denied a copy of the family trust and believes that her stepfather’s signature was forged by her mother and sister. The article advises that the author may have recourse other than hiring an attorney to contest the will or trust, and that she should possibly do so given the suspicious circumstances surrounding the amendment. The author also expresses doubt that karma will rectify the situation and seeks advice on whether she needs a lawyer to address her concerns. The complex legal issue outlined in the article requires sophisticated expert testimony and nuanced legal arguments, and while it may be possible to proceed without an attorney, it would be unwise given the complexities of the matter. The article also shares similar stories and experiences from other readers who have faced similar issues with family trusts and estate planning. Ultimately, the author is advised to seek legal counsel in dealing with the estate.



Original: On the day my stepfather died of brain cancer, he changed his trust and left everything to my sister. Do I have any recourse?