Probate mediation & arbitration.

A contested estate can turn into a fight over everything else. The documents matter. So do the family history, the cost of continuing the case and what the parties actually need to move forward.

Before focusing his practice on estate planning, Eric spent years litigating probate, estate and trust disputes. He has seen how disagreements develop, what preparing a case demands and how litigation can consume the property the parties are fighting over. He brings that practical perspective to his work as a neutral.

For counsel, the goal is a process that takes the law, the evidence and the client's position seriously. Sometimes that means helping parties negotiate. Sometimes it means agreeing to submit defined issues for a decision.

Potential matters include estate and trust administration disputes, fiduciary and accounting disagreements, contested distributions and disputes over the interpretation of estate planning documents. Suitability, necessary participants and any limits on settlement or arbitration must be evaluated for the particular matter.

Counsel continue to advise and advocate for their clients. Eric's role as a neutral is separate from representing a party. Before proceeding, the participants agree on the process, scope, fees, preparation and scheduling. Any required court approval or existing court order must also be addressed.