San Mateo, CA estates & probate lawyer Jeffrey Loew explains how undue influence plays a role in his work and cites a powerful case example. He describes that undue influence is central to many trust and estate litigation matters, particularly in cases involving contests. In one notable case, the firm represented a client who had been the longtime friend of a decedent who passed away without children. The decedent had made it clear that this friend was to receive a substantial share of her estate. However, distant relatives contested the arrangement, arguing that if the trust document were invalidated, they would inherit everything while the friend would receive nothing.

The relatives alleged that the client had manipulated the decedent and exerted undue influence to secure the trust amendment in her favor. The firm mounted an aggressive defense, preparing the case for trial over the course of a year. Ultimately, the matter was resolved with the contesting relatives receiving less than 10% of what they had demanded, while the client retained the majority of the estate. The undue influence claims were successfully defeated.