Undue influence can invalidate legal documents like wills or contracts when one party unfairly manipulates another. Understanding the four key factors that courts look for can help clarify how this legal concept works.
1. Vulnerability of the influenced party
One factor is how vulnerable a person is to influence. Courts consider whether the individual was in a weakened mental, physical, or emotional state at the time. Signs of illness, advanced age, or diminished mental capacity may suggest a person was open to manipulation, especially if they were in the process of legacy asset planning or making critical decisions about their future.
2. Opportunity to exercise influence
The second factor examines whether the influencer had the opportunity to exert control over the vulnerable person. Courts focus on the relationship between the parties and whether the influencer had regular access or held a position of trust. The Texas Supreme Court has emphasized that a confidential relationship, such as one between a caregiver and a patient, can create an opportunity for undue influence.
3. The influencer’s actions
Courts look at the specific actions of the influencer. Did they isolate the vulnerable person? Did they use fear or misleading information to get their way? This factor focuses on the techniques used to manipulate the outcome. Undue influence is a recognized ground for contesting a will or legal document. Evidence of coercion, fraud, or duress can support claims under Texas law.
4. Unnatural or unexpected outcome
The final factor is whether the result seems unusual or unexpected. If a will or contract heavily favors an unrelated caregiver over family, for instance, the courts may take this as a sign of undue influence. Courts apply the “unnatural disposition” test, where they weigh the distribution of assets against what people typically expect in similar circumstances.
Recognizing the complexity of undue influence
Addressing undue influence requires careful attention to the specifics of each case, as no two situations are the same. By evaluating the involved relationships and circumstances, courts can better understand the underlying dynamics. This careful scrutiny helps maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of legal documents.