Strategies for Safeguarding Your Assets from Inheritance Thieves

How to safeguard: When inheritance swindlers target your possessions

An elderly lady passes on her property to the person who cares for her, leaving her family with nothing. This appears to be a case of inheritance fraud and potential conflicts. How can testators and their families safeguard themselves from being taken advantage of?

In the beginning, everything seems positive: a friendly neighbor runs errands for his elderly neighbor, takes her out for walks, brings her flowers, and even accompanies her to the doctor and the bank. Eventually, they discuss money matters. The neighbor has no interest in accepting any compensation for his assistance. Instead, what would be the harm in leaving him the condo in the will, the elderly lady wonders? Is this inheritance fraud already happening?

It may or may not be, explain experts. Inheritance fraud is a blurry legal territory, without a specific crime investigation paragraph. Lawyer Jan Bittler, a member of the Estate Law Working Group of the German Bar Association, sheds light on the situation. Inheritance fraud commonly refers to deception, theft, or coercion, but only becomes a criminal offense when the elderly or ill are pressured into altering their will to benefit third parties. What's more prevalent, however, is the manipulation of people through emotional pressure and control. This uttered by more relatives than strangers.

Experts suggest ways testators and their families can prevent manipulation and protect the will and inheritance from opportunists. Perhaps the best safeguard is a loving relationship. Maintaining closeness with the testator and vice versa ensures that family members are present, offering support and companionship without the feeling of reliance on outsiders. Bittler refers to this as "emotional security." It creates an environment for open conversations about finances, including possible schemes by visitors or grandchildren.

Testators and their relatives can also prevent manipulation by establishing a clear and open line of communication. This will encourage a mutual understanding of the family's intentions and suspicions.

In terms of legal action, drafting a will or having one notarized can help protect assets. Notarized wills are deposited with the probate court and in the Central Register of Wills of the Federal Chamber of Notaries, ensuring their safety. The downside to this option is that it entails payment of fees.

For those who prefer to write their will themselves, depositing the document with the probate court is vital. This measure minimizes the risk of fraud and disappearance by those who may want to take more than they're entitled to or who simply want to inherit.

Parents and grandparents can also take steps to safeguard their will from potential coercion or pressure. Communication and maintaining close contact are crucial in preventing anyone from isolating or deceiving them. Filing a will in the Central Register of Last Wills and Testament of the Federal Chamber of Notaries can provide an added layer of protection against such malicious acts.

Family members must be on the lookout for suspicious behavior. Any notable changes regarding loved ones talking about "nice" new people or a sudden disinterest in interacting with family members could signal an issue.

To strengthen the protective measures, spouses and parents can create an inheritance contract. This document assigns each other as the sole heirs and final heirs, making the children next in line only after surviving spouses. The advantage of this strategy, known as a Berlin will, is that surviving spouses are legally bound by their spouse's will, preventing changes to secure the children's inheritance.

A will that is changed without the agreement of all parties involved is particularly vulnerable to manipulation. When family members swoop in and attempt to access assets, the inheritance can easily become the target of ill-intentioned individuals. Due to this, establishing a contract between spouses or parents and children gives a higher level of protection against both external and internal threats.

Drawing up a will or inheritance contract while still mentally capable is critical. This ensures that the testator's wishes are unquestionable and that no one can contest the document due to any mental weakness. Notaries are adept at identifying potential red flags and can determine the true intentions of the testator.

Safeguard your will and inheritance from potential scams by staying informed and maintaining an open dialogue with your family members. Protective measures such as handwritten wills and inheritance contracts, along with clear communication and close relationships, can help secure your final wishes.

Relatives who feel that something is amiss with a will can contest it. Often, medical experts are brought in to help with this matter. In the end, it's up to the probate court to decide. The court also deals with complaints against potential inheritance fraudsters. To successfully take legal action against these individuals, you need strong proof of criminal activities like forgery or theft of the will.

Even if a third cousin pleads with you to settle the estate or you marry someone much younger, these are usually not valid reasons to challenge a will based on inheritance fraud. Attorney Bittler agrees that caring neighbors are acceptable. In fact, both private and family caregivers can also be considered.