Probate Dispute Resolution

After a last will and testament is presented to the Probate Court, under laws of Massachusetts wills, there is a notice period, in which all interested parties are notified. Any beneficiary or heir at law or other “interested party” (including a beneficiary of a previous will) can file an objection to the allowance of the last will and/or the appointment of the named executor. This stops the probate until the objection is resolved and a will contest results.

When an objection is filed, it often results in costly and extended litigation. Estate disputes are very difficult to resolve. When there is a will dispute, the estate may be frozen for many months and distributions to an estate beneficiary can be delayed for years. Settling these matters through mediation may be an excellent way to move forward with the probate and resolve conflict.

If you are considering estate mediation, and would like to speak with a MCFM mediator, search our database for estate and probate mediators specializing in Inheritance Disputes within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Return to Estate Planning Mediation

• Family Wealth Planning
• Wills and Trusts
• Beneficiaries
• Joint Tenancy / Tenants in Common
• Real Estate Transfers
• Probate Dispute Resolution
• Accounts of Executors and Administrators