You may truly believe that you configured your estate plan in a way that works in all your family members’ best interests. However, just like with many things in life, it is almost impossible to make everyone happy at the same time. This is why we commonly see named beneficiaries coming into our office once the outcome of their loved one’s estate is announced, usually with confusion or disagreement. Understandably, you likely do not want any of your family members to undergo this undue stress and tension. So please read on to discover how you can work to avoid family disputes over your estate plan and how a seasoned Broward County estate lawyer at The Probate Lawyers can step if ever need be.
In what ways can I avoid family disputes over my estate plan?
Arguably, the simplest way to get ahead of any potential disputes among your family members is to be transparent about your plans for your estate with them. That is, you should communicate which assets you consider giving to each of them. This is so nothing comes as a complete shock to them at the reading of your Last Will and Testament.
Further, if you plan to do an unequal distribution of assets, you should explain your reasoning why. For example, you may want to give an extra reward to the family member who has served as your caregiver in your elder age. Or, you may have calculated that you contributed more financially to one family member throughout your lifetime than others (i.e., schooling, housing, special events, etc). At the same time, you may listen to your family members’ feedback about which assets they specifically desire to inherit, possibly because they hold a great sentimental meaning towards them.
Contrastingly, to avoid this potential drama altogether, you may sooner establish a trust for each of your family members rather than a single will. In this way, your estate’s assets may not go through the probate process, which is commonly where disputes arise.
How can my family resolve their conflicts on their own?
Unfortunately, even after carefully considering every last family member’s preferences and interests, they may still find fault in your estate plan. Especially during this emotionally driven time, they may wrongly lash out at one another. This is also a time when you will sadly not be around to intervene and offer a resolution. So, your family members may have to resolve their conflicts on their own in any of the following ways:
- Mediation: here, a neutral third party may help your family members reach a mutually-acceptable agreement.
- Arbitration: here, an arbitrator may make a legally-binding resolution on behalf of all your involved family members.
- Litigation: here, the court system may make an order on behalf of your family members based on federal and state estate laws.
If you require legal representation, look no further than a competent Broward County estate lawyer. Our website speaks for itself, saying that you will not regret hiring the team at The Probate Lawyers.
