Wealth Counsel Estate Planning Blog:  It is no secret that the population throughout the U.S. is aging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of seniors 65 years or older currently exceeds 38.6 million persons. This number is anticipated to swell by over 24 million over the next decade.  While the baby boomers continue to age, a myriad of resulting senior issues have arisen including an overall increase in estate litigation.  Disputes arising out of the execution of an estate plan, or the management of an existing estate, have increased lockstep with our aging population. Nationwide statistics are unavailable; however, from my personal perspective, over the last ten years the probate courts in California have become inundated with estate contests.  In speaking with colleagues, I have found that this phenom­enon is symptomatic across the country.