Estate & Trust Dispute Resolution
Our Services
Experienced Estate & Trust Dispute Resolution Lawyers Serving Halton Region & Throughout Southwestern Ontario
When disputes arise in estate and trust matters, they can be especially complicated due to the personal relationships between the parties involved. Often these conflicts arise between family members, necessitating a focus on preserving relationships beyond the resolution of the matter at hand. Litigation can be an inherently contentious process that can have a permanent effect on family relationships, in addition to being a lengthy and costly endeavor. For this reason, it may make sense to seek resolution through the use of alternatives to litigation, such as mediation or arbitration.
Our estate law lawyers will carefully review any estate or trust dispute in order to help you determine whether the situation could benefit from alternative resolution methods. In cases where an alternative approach seems appropriate, they will take the time to explain the process to you, including timeline and cost expectations.
Experienced Lawyers for Alternative Dispute Resolution – Mediation and Arbitration Solutions
Alternative methods to litigation include mediation and arbitration. In mediation, the parties enter into negotiations facilitated by a mediator to find a joint solution that works for everyone involved. The mediator helps to manage the negotiation but does not decide the matter for the parties. Managing Partner Jasmine Sweatman is a qualified and experienced mediator and can be explicitly retained to provide this service.
In arbitration, the parties present evidence and arguments to an arbitrator who functions as a judge and whose decision is binding. Both methods can be less costly and time-consuming than litigation. They may be an ideal solution for family members who hope to preserve relationships with each other after the dispute is behind them.
Our law firm uses alternative methods of resolving disputes in many areas of estate and trust law, including:
- Power of attorney conflicts
- Family disputes relating to estate and succession planning
- Estate trustee/executor disputes
- Passing of accounts
- Guardianships
An additional benefit to using alternative dispute resolution methods is keeping family disputes private. Unlike litigation, the decision or settlement agreement that results from mediation or arbitration does not automatically become a matter of public record.
Contact Us to Discuss your Litigation Alternatives
To determine whether alternative dispute methods can assist you with your estate or trust conflict, please contact us online to arrange a consultation.