Estate disputes that arise after a parent or loved one passes can be emotionally exhausting and financially draining and can fracture family relationships. These conflicts are often fueled by complex, non-legal issues rooted in years of family history. While courts can make decisions about asset distribution, estate disputes involve emotional factors that cannot be adequately addressed in court. Estate dispute mediation is a cost-effective way of resolving these disputes while preserving family ties. An experienced mediator works with families to identify and address the underlying issues driving the disputes, empowering them to work together toward positive outcomes.

The best way to prevent estate disputes is for parents to plan ahead and communicate openly with their adult children about their estate plans. While these conversations can be challenging—especially if parents anticipate that their plans may upset one or more of their children—initiating them in advance can strengthen family relationships and minimize the risk of future litigation and sibling conflicts. At TKW, we assist families in navigating these difficult conversations. Although we are not estate planners, we help families develop distribution plans that support the unique emotional and financial needs of the surviving children.