Finding out a loved one has passed away can be devastating. Unfortunately, instead of mourning the loss of your loved one in peace, you’ll need to endure the probate process. This occurs when the court oversees the distribution of the deceased’s estate to ensure their assets are distributed according to the terms and conditions in their will and any outstanding debts are repaid. Though it seems simple, this process can be notoriously complex and often bring about family drama, so it’s in your best interest to connect with a Pasco County, FL probate lawyer who can help you through these complicated issues.
Why Does Probate Often Bring About Familial Disputes?
It’s no secret that probate is a complex matter. When someone passes away, you’ll find that emotions can run high as family members process the loss through the stages of grief. These heightened emotions, combined with the stress of probate and slighted feelings over inheritances, can lead to intense issues for some families.
Additionally, frustration may arise if the person appointed as the executor or personal representative is not doing their job effectively and communicating efficiently with the other family members.
What Can I Do to Minimize Family Drama?
If you are worried about family drama following your passing, it’s important to do what you can do to prevent these issues is critical.
Generally, the best possible thing to ensure the probate process goes smoothly for your loved ones is to ensure your estate planning is taken care of is critical. By having a plan in place, you’ll be able to ensure that your wishes are honored and no issues can arise. It is important, however, to ensure you update your documents when big life events occur. For example, if you get a divorce or welcome a new grandchild, you’ll want to update your will and other documents accordingly.
If you are a family member currently dealing with family drama as the result of the probate of a loved one’s estate, you’ll want to do your best to encourage everyone to communicate openly about their wishes and feelings. For example, if your sibling believes they did not receive a fair inheritance, sitting down with your other siblings and discussing these manners in a calm and neutral manner is critical.
If having an open conversation does not help resolve these matters, you should consider mediation. This involves meeting with a neutral third-party entity who can help you reach an agreement.
When mourning the loss of your loved one, the last thing you may want to worry about is fighting with your family over money. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through this process. At the Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, our dedicated team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.