The aftermath of someone’s death can be overwhelming and confusing. If the deceased drafted a will or established legal arrangements before passing on, the surviving family members can rely on these details when managing the estate. If not, the law takes effect, impacting what happens next and the assets each beneficiary would receive.
Still, there are many reasons for beneficiaries to have contradicting views regarding the estate, which can cause disputes. The appropriate way to address them may vary, depending on the situation and what is causing the issue. When the beneficiaries are relatives, such as siblings, the following methods can be suitable for resolving disputes:
- Go through mediation — If the problem arises from vague details involving complex assets, such as a family business, mediation is an effective strategy for getting all beneficiaries on the same page.
- Share proceeds of sold assets — Some beneficiaries may argue after claiming ownership of specific assets. Selling the involved properties and splitting the proceeds is possible when this happens.
- Choose an independent party as the executor — Sometimes, beneficiaries can disagree because of issues involving the appointed executor. They can replace the executor with an independent party that can act fairly, such as a family member, a financial institution or a professional fiduciary.
Other reasons for conflict can be too tricky or complex, which can make going to court necessary.
Approaching estate-related issues
After someone dies, it could be challenging to navigate issues involving the estate, mainly if they did not leave behind anything to establish the wishes they expressed during their life. In these scenarios, their surviving family members might become responsible for sorting out what steps should happen next.
Various disagreements and disputes can stem from this process. Consider seeking legal counsel, allowing parties to approach estate-related issues appropriately, no matter what complications arise.
