How To Settle Inheritance Drama

It’s always sad when a loved one dies, especially if it is unexpected. When a beloved family member passes away, it often makes us think about our own mortality. This can make us feel anxious and depressed.

These emotions can make us feel competitive when it comes to the loved one’s estate and our possible inheritance. Many family members feel as though they should be receiving more assets. They may even accuse the executor of changing the will or being biased toward certain family members.

These accusations can lead to anger and mistrust, damaging family relationships for good. If you’re looking to keep the peace in the family, you need to know how to react appropriately. Here are some common issues and how you can resolve them.

Theft of Assets

Theft may be executed by the executor or a beneficiary. Once the loved one has died, they may withdraw money from a bank account or take and sell some of the deceased’s assets. This often happens because beneficiaries are unaware how probate works. In any case, theft is a serious issue that can lead to criminal charges.

However, by staying organized from the beginning, you can prevent theft from happening. All estates should be inventoried on a regular basis, even before the person dies, so there are no surprises in terms of assets.

Disagreement Between Co-Executors

In order to avoid favoritism, some people choose multiple executors. For example, they may choose both children or all their siblings. This often creates more trouble, though. When the executors encounter an issue, they may argue over it, creating delays.

Ideally, one party will resign to keep the peace. If this doesn’t happen, it may be better to hire a mediator or other third party to help the executors arrive at a solution. If mediation doesn’t work, the next step is to hire a lawyer and take the case to court, if necessary.

The Executor Appears to Be Biased

This issue can cause a lot of problems, but true bias is hardly ever the issue. It’s the perception of it. One family member may think that the executor is favoring a sibling, for example, and this creates a lot of doubt.

When this happens, nothing you can do as executor will change the person’s mind. They will find a way to accuse you of bias even when you are following the rules and doing everything right. Therefore, the best option is to step down as executor and hire a professional.

Seek Legal Help

Grief can bring out the worst in people. There is anger, devastation, competition, as well as other issues involved that can make it difficult to settle an estate in a timely manner.

Fort Lauderdale probation litigation lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can give you sound advice for dealing with estate drama after a loved one’s death.  We can quickly resolve family matters. Schedule a consultation with our office today by filling out the online form or calling 954-764-4330.

Source:

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