How to Settle a Conflict with Your Siblings when Managing Your Parents' Estate

Introduction

Losing your parents is difficult, but fighting over the estate can make this time period of your life even harder. Conflicts with siblings when managing parents' estate is common but can be destructive, so you should take steps to resolve the conflict as quickly as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

• Financial advisor
• Lawyer
• Inheritance

Steps

1

Step One

Discuss all parts of the inheritance with your siblings. Secrets are hurtful and show that you do not trust one another.

2

Step Two

Hire a financial professional to moderate the inheritance.

3

Step Three

Determine the specific problems causing the conflicts.

4

Step Four

Keep an open dialogue, even when you are angry. The silent treatment won't solve anything.

5

Step Five

Try not to take sides against one of your siblings.

6

Step Six

Hold an estate sale instead of trying to decide who gets what item. If you or a sibling wants a specific chair or lamp, it can be bought at the sale. The money from the sale can then be evenly distributed between all siblings.

7

Step Seven

Make sure that the wishes of your parents are followed completely, even if you do not agree.

8

Step Eight

Hire a lawyer as a last resort.

9

Step Nine

Let old grudges die. Move on with your relationships with your siblings into happier times.