What is “undue influence?”
Undue Influence claims challenge whether the testator made the Last Will and Testament freely and without being coerced by someone. An undue influence lawsuit relates to whether the decedent made his or her Last Will and Testament without being coerced by another person or persons. For example, a family member, friend, long-time employee, or acquaintance might pressure a frail, elderly person to leave most or all of his or her assets to that person while excluding children, relatives and others who should receive the inheritance. Undue influence occurs when a person is compelled to perform an act (signing of a Last Will and Testament) as a result of improper pressure exerted upon him or her.