Using mediation and coaching in sibling disputes and legacy planning
Increased attention to disputes between siblings before, during, and after parents' deaths is naturally also focusing the spotlight on the role of mediation in these conflicts. Mediation can be very effective and useful at any stage; early intervention can be of extraordinary value. In this article "Legacy Planning" written by legacy coach Linda Somers, the author describes a process she calls family conference mediation. She writes:
A Family Conference is a useful method to pre-emptively deal with divisive issues that affect the family. The conference brings families together while the parents are alive to review the estate plan and to address potential painful conflict within the family. A professionally trained mediator assists the family in resolving issues about the estate and aims to reach agreement among all the participants. Mediation can not only prevent potential legal disputes, but is less costly than a court process in the unfortunate event of a challenge to the will.
Most importantly, mediation can help to strengthen relationships within the family.
The ways various mediators proceed in these prophylactic conferences may not be the same as that described by Somers, but their goals of saving families money, time, and heartache are the same.
In this legacy planning article, Somers also describes legacy coaching as another way for clients to "take charge of [their] legacy." And she offers four legacy principles.
- Create a Hopeful Vision for the Future
- Provide Meaningful Explanations of Your Hopes and Intentions
- Approach Estate Planning as a Reflection of Your Values
- Consider the Enduring Impact of Your Legacy on All your Family’s Generations
They are each explained in the article.
Thoughts, additions, feedback on the above post and the article? I would like to hear from you about these important topics.
Related post: "Mediation of Disputes Between Family Members Before, During and After Funeral Planning".
Related article: "Understanding The Myths Surrounding Your Estate" (about the Allianz study from which resulted what Allianz called "the seven myths of the American legacy."
Image credit: ronnieb
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