Contracts to Make a WillAttorneys Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio
Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.
When someone makes a promise to leave property in a will and later breaks that promise or passes away without honoring it, the result can be confusion, conflict, and legal uncertainty.At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we represent clients in probate cases involving contracts to make a will or not to revoke one. These cases often involve close family relationships, past financial support, or informal agreements that were never properly documented.
Whether you are seeking to enforce a promise or defend against an unexpected claim, we help you understand your legal options and take the next step with clarity.
What Is aContract to Make a Will?
In Ohio, a contract to make a will is a legal agreement in which a person promises to create or keep a will in a certain form, often in exchange for care, services, or other consideration. These contracts may be written or, in limited cases, oral. They are enforceable in probate court but require clear evidence of the agreement.
Common examples include promises to leave property to someone who cared for the deceased during illness, or agreements between spouses in blended families to leave assets in a specific way. When the deceased fails to follow through, the promised heir may file a claim to recover what was lost.

Disputes also arise when a family member is accused of enforcing a will based on a conversation or understanding that was never legally binding. These cases can impact how the entire estate is distributed.
Estate and Probate
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What WeCan Do for You
When someone promises to include you in their will and fails to follow through, the goal is to determine whether that promise was a legally enforceable agreement. We help prove or defend claims involving contracts to make a will, working to protect your rights and honor the intent behind the estate through a clear legal process.
Evaluate Whether a Contract to Make a Will Exists
We examine estate plans, correspondence, and financial exchanges to determine if a valid contract exists. We confirm whether Ohio law was met and if the agreement was supported by clear legal consideration.
Represent Heirs Seeking to Enforce a Promise
If you were promised an inheritance through a will contract that was never fulfilled, we help you file a probate claim, submit supporting evidence, and seek the rightful distribution you were legally promised.
Defend Against Invalid Will Contract Claims
If someone asserts a false or undocumented contract, we respond with filings, estate documents, and witness accounts to demonstrate the absence of a valid agreement and protect heirs from improper claims.
Litigate Will Contract Claims in Court
We review caregiver contracts, witness notes, and informal writings to assess whether an oral or past will contract holds legal value. We guide you on whether the arrangement qualifies under Ohio probate law.
File and Litigate Claims in Probate Court
We draft the required legal pleadings, present evidence in court hearings, and seek resolution by ruling or settlement. Our filings preserve estate assets and ensure the process is handled with legal precision.
When tocall aContracts to Make a Will Attorney
If you were promised something through a will and believe that promise was broken, or if someone else is claiming a right to estate property based on a past agreement, it is time to seek legal help.These cases depend heavily on facts and timing, so early guidance is critical to protecting your position. Our attorneys are ready to help.
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FrequentlyAsked Questions
Are verbal promises to leave property in a will legally binding?
Only in very limited cases. Ohio generally requires clear evidence of a contract, such as written terms, witness testimony, or proof of exchanged services. We help determine if the facts meet that legal threshold.
Can I file a claim if the will does not include what I was promised?
Yes, if a valid contract to make a will existed. You may be entitled to damages or specific property if you can prove the agreement and show the promise was not fulfilled.
How is this different from a will contest?
Will contests challenge the validity of the will itself. A contract to make a will claim accepts the will but seeks to enforce a separate legal obligation outside the document.
What kind of evidence supports this type of claim?
Evidence may include letters, emails, witness statements, financial records, service arrangements, or prior wills. We help you identify and collect the most persuasive documentation.
Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes. Claims against an estate must be filed within the timelines set by Ohio probate law. Acting quickly helps protect your rights.
