Sometimes, those closest to you become your biggest adversaries. Sibling rivalries are tales as old as time and have been immortalized in novels, films, and even court records. You might think tug-of-war battles would stop in childhood, but this competition is at the heart of cases involving siblings contesting a trust in California. No matter how dormant rivalries may be, when a parent passes away and inheritance is at stake, this is when they emerge.
At Gokal Law Group, we have successfully helped siblings navigate their complex dynamic to receive the best possible outcome for years. Read our blog to learn how to navigate sibling rivalries during trust disputes.
How Do You Handle Sibling Rivalries When There Are Siblings Contesting a Trust in California?
A premier trust contest lawyer in California is more than a source of legal counsel; they will help navigate the complex litigation dynamics stemming from sibling rivalry. Let’s get into signs you will have to fight over your inheritance and how to handle the emotions.
What Are Signs You Will Have to Fight Over Your Inheritance?
For most, taking siblings to court should be the last legal resort. In many cases, working with a trust contest lawyer to find alternative dispute resolutions when there are siblings contesting a trust, such as mediation, is a viable option to avoid litigation.
Several signs signal that you may be facing a dispute over your inheritance with a sibling. While these do not always turn into litigation, some common signs include:
- When a sibling has a poor relationship with their parent
- When a sibling has a substance abuse problem and the parent doesn’t trust them to manage their finances responsibly
- When a sibling appears to be attempting to control the parent’s life and isolate them
- When a sibling received more financial help from the parent than their siblings
“There are several telltale signs legal action against siblings is your only option. We have worked on countless cases involving siblings that turn the courtroom into a theater for drama. Sometimes, siblings find out after their parent passes away that they are not blood-related. In other instances, long-lost siblings emerge after being named in the trust. We have even worked on cases where a sibling discovered that their father wasn’t their father due to an affair. Pair these scenarios with deep-seated tensions, complicated family dynamics, and lifelong rivalries, and the stage is set for grueling litigation.” – Nicholas D. Porrazzo, California Trust Litigation Lawyer, Gokal Law Group
How to Navigate Sibling Rivalry During Trust Disputes
Empathy is one of the most important tools to navigate the choppy waters of siblings contesting a trust. The emotions surrounding the death of a parent can cause siblings to misinterpret the inheritance they receive as a metric for how much their parents loved them.
While you were part of the same family, every sibling has a unique experience and perspective. For many people, the emotions that stem from these family dynamics and perspectives are difficult to resolve and remain long into adulthood.
When going through litigation, remember a beneficiary representation lawyer is not a vehicle for vengeance. Objectivity is crucial. Entering the courtroom with that attitude will have far-reaching consequences for your family.
“Trust litigation should be used as a tool to allocate assets and collect damages when warranted, not as a way to settle a score with your brother or sister. Vengeance should not be your objective; justice should be. And people sometimes think those two concepts are synonymous, but that could not be further from the truth.” – Nicholas D. Porrazzo, California Trust Litigation Lawyer, Gokal Law Group
Are You and Siblings Contesting a Trust in California? Work with Premier Trust Beneficiary Lawyers to Defend Your Inheritance
When there are siblings contesting a trust, family dynamics add another dimension of complexity to the already complicated world of trust litigation. This is especially true when sibling rivalries come into play. But there is help to protect what you are entitled to.
Are you on the brink of taking siblings to court? Visit our Contact Page to book a consultation with trust attorneys in Orange County for expert mediation or representation!
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