Parents who have multiple children have probably spent decades resolving their conflicts. Children of all ages fight over who gets the last slice of pizza or who broke the vase in the living room. Contentious dynamics can often continue into adulthood. Adult children may continue to start arguments with one another during the holidays. Other times, they may settle into a more amicable, friendly relationship when they no longer live together.
It is only natural for parents to worry that their future passing may negatively impact the relationships among their children. Conflict during estate administration is relatively common. How can parents prevent their children from fighting with one another over the assets they leave behind when they die?
Create a thorough plan and update it regularly
The best way to prevent family disputes about inheritance rights is to leave clear instructions about personal wishes. When testators draft documents that very clearly outline their wishes regarding the distribution of their property and the allocation of responsibility during estate administration, there are fewer details for their children to fight over during probate proceedings.
Those with large families and significant property typically need to review and update their estate plans every few years as their personal circumstances continue to change. Doing so can reduce the likelihood of family members alleging that an estate plan is outdated.
Communicate directly with family members
Disappointed expectations and surprise about estate planning terms often play a role in family conflict related to estate administration. A child who thinks they are their parent’s favorite might expect to receive a larger inheritance and feel disappointed about the decision to allocate assets evenly.
In scenarios involving uneven bequests, adult children who inherit less than their siblings may take issue with that decision if they are not aware of it beforehand. While discussions about estate plans can be somewhat uncomfortable, they give family members time to come to terms with their parent’s wishes.
Being proactive about preventing a conflict during the estate planning stage can help people feel confident about their loved ones upholding their legacy after their passing. Integrating the right details into an estate plan and talking openly can help prevent conflicts that can permanently damage sibling relationships
