Tips To Help Siblings Resolve Probate Disputes

After a loved one passes, you may be emotional and could find it hard to focus on the future. Siblings who usually agree may find themselves in a heated dispute when establishing the validity of their loved one’s will. Your family could avoid disagreements by following our tips to help siblings resolve probate disputes.

While conflict between siblings may not be uncommon after the passing of a loved one, disagreement does not have to define your family’s future. At Hackard Law, we can answer your questions about the probate process and help you move forward.

What Are Common Causes of a Dispute?

A dispute among siblings may arise during probate for a variety of reasons. One sibling may withhold information or make decisions without input from the others. One may have different ideas about what their loved one wanted to happen with their assets or may question the will if the decedent changed it shortly before they passed away.

Tension can arise for a variety of reasons, but siblings can try to resolve a probate dispute by following a few key tips.

How To Resolve Probate Disputes

When siblings are involved in a probate dispute, litigation may ultimately be required, but there are steps families can attempt before reaching that point:

Open Communication

Your family may try to engage in discussions about concerns by holding meetings where everyone can address issues.

Follow the Will or Trust

Distributing assets exactly as written can help reduce tension. However, disagreements over interpretation or validity often arise, leading to contested probate proceedings.

Mediation

If siblings are unable to resolve the dispute alone, mediation may help each party share their perspective. If mediation fails, our attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights in court.

Contact Us for Help Navigating Family Probate Disputes

It can be easy to focus on asset division and not your sibling relationships during the administration of a loved one’s estate. However, maintaining your relationships is important, and there are several strategies that could help you and your siblings resolve any probate disputes that arise. But when disagreements escalate, legal representation is often the only way to protect your rights.

At Hackard Law, we represent clients in will contests, probate litigation, trust disputes, trustee misconduct, trust accounting cases, undue influence, and elder financial abuse—always on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us.

Contact Hackard Law today to discuss your probate or trust litigation concerns. We’re here for people who need help and don’t know where to turn.