‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller Commits Fraud

According to a May 9, 2017 Fox News article, Abby Lee Miller, the star of Lifetime’s popular show ‘Dance Moms’, has been sentenced to one year in prison for committing fraud. She was specifically sentenced for committing bankruptcy fraud. Although this case is not about probate fraud and trust litigation in Florida, it demonstrates just how greedy and out-of-character some people can get when it comes to money. Probate litigators, unfortunately, frequently witness fraud in many forms.

Do you believe that you are a victim of probate fraud in Florida? What is probate fraud? What should probate litigators in West Palm Beach know about probate fraud? Is undue influence an example of probate fraud? When should you call a West Palm Beach wills lawyer? If your dad’s girlfriend convinces your dad to disinherit you, your dad’s only child, from his will and leave everything to her, this could be probate fraud. When something like this happens, there are usually allegations of undue influence regarding a Florida will/trust, codicil to a will, or trust amendment/ restatement of trust. Palm Beach trust and estates lawyers know that undue influence is a type of fraud. What is undue influence? Undue influence is a common allegation to try to set aside a will or trust, and is often described as over-persuasion, force, or coercion. If someone was forced to sign a deed, or “give over” a bank account, those acts may be set aside if they were the product of undue influence. In addition, a will, codicil, or trust can be thrown out if the testator or creator was unduly influenced to create them or change them.If you think you are a victim of probate fraud, what should you do? You should consult with a Palm Beach probate litigation lawyer who can file a petition in a Florida probate, or a lawsuit regarding a trust, bank account, lifetime gift, or inter vivos transfer. To read the entire article regarding Abby Lee Miller’s fraud conviction, click here.