North Carolina residents often rely on estate plans to know how a loved one wants their assets handled. Unfortunately, if you suspect your loved one is a victim of undue influence, this may not be the case.
Undue influence involves a third party exerting their will over your relative’s. Through this, they force or coerce them to change their estate plan. If you notice these warning signs, it is important to act fast and contest the plan in question.
Manipulators isolate victims to increase influence
The American Bar Association states that there are several warning signs that could point to the presence of undue influence. In particular, warning signs often fall into one of three categories. The first is isolation. If they are a target of undue influence, your loved one will likely end up isolated and sequestered away from other family members or even you. The manipulator often does this to prevent interference from concerned parties.
Attempts to control aspects of life point to manipulation
Dominance is another warning sign from the manipulator. They often try to take over many aspects of your loved one’s life. They may want to manage their finances or schedule. They may wish to have a say in medication, nutrition and lifestyle choices. For the worst offenders, micromanaging often happens in every aspect of the victim’s life.
Finally, watch out for any sudden changes in your loved one’s estate plan. After all, you likely know your loved one well. Keep an eye out for the sudden addition of new beneficiaries or the removal of old ones. This is often a red flag that something is going on behind the scenes.
