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How do I Sue for Probate Malpractice in West Palm Beach?

Uncategorized Nov 21, 2015
post about How do I Sue for Probate Malpractice in West Palm Beach?

Are you the beneficiary of a will in West Palm Beach only to find out the  will was invalid due to the negligence of a probate attorney? You may be able to sue for malpractice but you are going to want to understand the principle of a third party beneficiary contract as well as how a malpractice lawsuit works. Here is a quick and dirty guide to read on your way to consult with a malpractice attorney in West Palm Beach. 

What is Malpractice?

  • Professionals do not just “do” their profession rather they “practice” it.
  • Doctors practice medicine, lawyers practice law etc.
  • When a professional engages in their practice negligently and causes damages this is called malpractice. 
  • Malpractice against a probate attorney can be hard do you know why?

The Problem with Probate

  • Up until recently the only person who could sue for a bad will was the testator.
  • This posed some problems in West Palm Beach because usually by the time the will was discovered to be faulty, the testator was dead!
  • The Court’s reasoned that since the contract for professional services was between the testator and the lawyer – only the testator had standing to sue.
  • Eventually the level of malpractice in this area of law required a change.
  • That is where the doctrine of third party beneficiary breach of contract came into play.

Third Party Beneficiary Breach of Contract

  • Why does anyone make a will?
  • Surely it is at least partly for their peace of mind but really it is to benefit the beneficiaries and heirs in the will.
  • To be sure, the peace of mind itself comes from the security for those people.
  • The law recognizes that sometimes two parties contract for the benefit of a third.
  • This is just such a case reasoned the Palm Beach probate courts.
  • The contract between the lawyer and testator is for the benefit of the heirs.
  • Thus the malpractice is actionable by the beneficiaries as well.

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