It is no secret that many family conflicts are caused by inheritance disputes. Family members may often disagree on who should receive what when someone has passed away. However, as these times can be difficult enough already, the last thing you would want to do after the loss of a loved one is to get involved in family disputes over inheritance. While it is true that conflicts can be difficult to avoid, you can still navigate this difficult process by communicating clearly and staying calm. Within this article, you will find four key steps you can take to minimise the chances of family conflicts over inheritances.
Write A Will
Family feuds over inheritances are common, especially when there is no legal document, which outlines how the deceased party intended for their estate and assets to be distributed upon their death. Therefore, making a will can be used to legally clarify the deceased’s intent. Clear instructions should be provided and all paperwork should be updated. The declaration in the document should name the person who will manage the estate and how assets will be distributed among family members. Moreover, this should be updated regularly to reflect major life changes, such as a marriage or divorce.
Consult A Solicitor
Nevertheless, a lack of careful will drafting or ambiguous wording may also result in family disputes. As a result, it is advisable to seek professional advice by consulting experienced, contentious probate solicitors, such as Hugh James. They can help you resolve a variety of contentious probate issues and take actions to remove executors. Whether you are involved in a dispute over the interpretation of a will or the value of estate assets, Hugh James can help you resolve these contentious probate issues in a pragmatic and sensitive manner. Thanks to their proven track record of delivering timely results, they will support you every step of the process.
Communicate Clearly
Communication is key to resolving family conflicts, so you will need to have open conversations. While these topics can be hard to navigate, what is even more challenging is avoiding these conversations. As every situation is unique and people are likely to react in different ways, you should make a plan to talk when you all feel comfortable to address the issue. If your plan is not successful, it’s important to try a different approach, instead of giving up. It’s recommended to be open about your wishes and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Compromise On What You Want
You should also discuss specific items that you want from the inheritance. It is likely that the financially valuable portion of the estate will inspire intense conflicts. For example, at times somebody might be interested in getting a particular heirloom. As a result, making sure that they receive it might help to reduce stress when it comes to financial issues. It’s crucial for every family member to think about what they want and identify ways to compromise. Also, you should avoid situations where a loved one doesn’t feel like they can speak up.
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