There are several advantages to resolving disputes through the estate mediation process.

Maintains confidentiality and control. The court process is a public process, with all estate information and issues open to public scrutiny. Litigants also have very little control over the steps involved, or the outcome. In contrast, mediation is a voluntary, private dispute-resolution process. Estate matters remain confidential, and you can opt in or out of mediation at any time.

Can resolve disputes quickly. A typical estate litigation claim usually takes five years or more to resolve through the courts – with estate assets tied up until there is certainty as to their distribution. Mediation can resolve disputes in a matter of weeks.

Preserves estate assets. The costs of estate litigation are usually borne by the estate. Legal costs can easily exceed $100,000 for cases that go to trial. A successful mediation process can be undertaking at a fraction of the cost, leaving more estate assets to beneficiaries.

Avoids additional discord. Mediation can’t prevent bad feelings, but it can avoid the additional discord that can rip families apart during the extended litigation process.