Wilson Whitaker Rynell

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972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN
wilson whitaker rynell attorneys and counselors at law logo
972-248-8080 DALLAS
713-830-2207 HOUSTON
512-691-4100 AUSTIN
a blue and orange check mark with the letter w on it as the Wilson Whitaker Rynell Logo

Inheritance Theft - The Stolen Estate

Chelsea Lankford • Aug 11, 2023

As America Ages Inheritance Theft Is a Growing Problem

Martha Smith knew how much she was supposed to inherit from her mother's trust. The mother and daughter had many discussions about it before she passed. But when everything was distributed, the amount was noticeably less. How did that happen? After hiring attorneys and investigations, Martha found that the trustee, a trusted family member, had siphoned money and assets into the trustee’s name. Her inheritance had been hijacked


While it seems impossible, inheritance hijacking or theft is a real thing. How does it happen? Sometimes the hijacking is by a trusted family member that took advantage of their elderly loved one by convincing them to rewrite their will to disinherit everyone but them. Or maybe a family member accessed their accounts and transferred money out. Sometimes it's by the executor of the deceased will. As the executor, they have access to all the estate's accounts and assets. They could sell off assets, pocket the money or charge exuberant fees against the estate for their time.



How Do Estates Get Stolen?

A stolen estate or trust can occur in many ways, including the following:


  • Undue influence over a testator of limited capacity or the elderly.
  • Theft or forgery of the will.
  • Abuse of power of attorney by a trusted friend or agent.
  • Executors or Trustees who charge excessive fees for their services.


Heirs can take steps to prevent inheritance hijacking from happening. Periodically talking about the estate plan with loved ones can allow more people to keep an eye on the probate process. If they feel like the executor of the estate is untrustworthy, they can take steps to have the executor removed. Importantly, periodically checking bank records, tax statements, and investment accounts can help prevent theft at an early stage before it gets out of control. 

Dallas Inheritances Theft Litigation Attorney

Can heirs or beneficiaries do anything if they happen to become victims? Heirs can hire attorneys to sue for breach of fiduciary duty, theft, or fraud to recoup the lost funds and assets. The lawyers of Wilson Whitaker Rynell specialize in Probate litigation and Estate Litigation. If you believe your inheritance has been stolen and/or wrongfully taken, our trusted lawyers can assist you in recovering those assets. Our firm will help protect you from financial abuse.


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Dallas Family Law & Divorce Attorneys Deciding to divorce is a challenging and significant life choice. Once you've made that decision, there are many paths to consider, and Wilson Whitaker Rynell is here to help you navigate the best way forward. What distinguishes us from other Dallas family law firms is our exceptionally skilled team of family law practitioners and our commitment to delivering outstanding client-centered service. Whether through mediation or litigation, our family law attorneys in Dallas bring a depth and breadth of knowledge gained through years of successful practice. We also have board certified divorce lawyers so you can count on the highest standards of integrity, expertise, and legal proficiency from the divorce lawyers at Wilson Whitaker Rynell. Whether you're in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Allen or any other Dallas neighborhood, you can trust our local family law firm to provide you with the support and guidance of a highly experienced team of family lawyers. Family Law Practice Areas Our dedicated team is focused on providing personalized and effective legal solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. We understand that family law matters can be emotionally challenging, and we strive to offer compassionate support while staunchly defending our clients' rights and best interests. With Wilson Whitaker Rynell, you can trust that you'll receive top-tier legal representation from a team that genuinely prioritizes your well-being. We specialize in a wide range of family law and divorce matters, ensuring comprehensive legal support for our clients. Our experience includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:
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The Wilson Legal Group are Dallas attorneys that specializes in Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Complex Litigation, Business/Corporate Law, Family Law and Real Estate Law. At the Wilson Legal Group, our clients are our focus. Our philosophy is simple and straight-forward: Understand our clients' needs, hopes, and interests in order to help them flourish. Our staff strives to build strong relationships with our clients in order to appreciate their best interests and help them achieve their goals.

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