A GRSM Livingston team, led by Partner Scott Heck, obtained summary judgment for the firm’s client, a licensed notary, in a hotly contested dispute that had been pending since 2024 and was venued in Essex County, involving claims of undue influence and fraud.
The plaintiff alleged that due to acts of undue influence, a decedent who sought to transfer significant property and real estate to her family members had her will and estate documents improperly disturbed to move her property to others against her will. Despite the plaintiff’s reliance on a forgery expert to support allegations that GRSM’s client had participated in an elaborate scheme, the court found that the fraud claim lacked specificity and that there was insufficient evidence to support the undue influence claims. Consequently, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant on all claims.
This outcome highlights the strength of GRSM’s Estate & Trust Litigation practice, which is known for effectively navigating complex disputes involving allegations of undue influence, fraud, and contested estate documents. With a national track record of success, the team brings strategic insight and seasoned trial experience to matters involving wills, trusts, and fiduciary litigation, consistently delivering results for both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in high-stakes estate conflicts.