Injustice Between Heirs: Collusion of the Testator and Legal Solutions

Injustices between heirs can bring about significant problems in terms of inheritance law. In this article, we will discuss the concept of collusion of the testator, its causes, legal consequences and solutions.

1. What is Collusion of the Testator?

Collusion of the testator is a legal transaction that aims to distribute the assets among the heirs unfairly by concealing the true will of the testator (testator). This situation can create injustice among the heirs.

Example: If Ali secretly makes a contract to give more property to only one of his children, despite thinking that he will leave equal shares to his two children, this situation can be considered as collusion of the testator.

2. Reasons for Collusion of the Testator
Feeling of Inequality: The testator may want to give more property to some of his children because he feels inequality among them.
Family Dynamics: Disagreements within the family may cause the heirs to come up with different demands.
Special Relationships: The testator may want to leave more property to a certain heir because he loves or trusts him more than others.

3. Legal Consequences of Collusion of the Testator
Cancellation Suit: Heirs may file a lawsuit to cancel transactions made through the collusion of the testator. In this case, the court may rule that the transaction is invalid.
Equal Distribution of the Inheritance: The court may decide that the inheritance be distributed fairly, so that all heirs have equal rights.
Compensation Claims: Heirs may request compensation for the damages they have suffered.

4. Legal Remedies
Filing a Lawsuit: Heirs may file a lawsuit for annulment due to the collusion of the testator and request that the transactions made be invalid.
Mediation: Mediation methods may be preferred to reach a compromise between the parties.
Inheritance Contract: Heirs may prevent future disputes by making a contract on how the inheritance will be distributed.
5. Sample Cases
Example 1: The deceased purchased real estate in Fatma’s name and concealed this in order to make her daughter Fatma think that she left more property than her son Mehmet. When Mehmet learns of this situation, he can file an annulment lawsuit and demand an equal distribution.
Example 2: The deceased of a family left his inheritance to his son Ahmet, but did not leave anything to his daughter. The daughter can file a lawsuit claiming collusion of the deceased and demand an equal distribution of the inheritance.

6. Conclusion

Collision of the deceased is a serious problem that causes injustice between the heirs. Adopting an open and fair approach by the deceased regarding the distribution of the inheritance can prevent such problems. Using legal means to prevent disputes between the heirs is of great importance.