Family relationships can make probate more difficult

The death of a loved one can make emotions run high. If a family already has a tendency toward conflict, it may be even more likely that disputes will occur because they are in such an emotional state. In some cases, probate proceedings can become tense due to difficult family relationships.

Some California families may find themselves at odds over the remaining assets of estates due to sibling rivalry. Unfortunately, some siblings never get along and squabble at every turn. If they feel that a parent’s estate plan favors one sibling over another, it is possible for serious conflicts to result. If one of the children has been named as the executor of the estate, he or she may have a difficult time completing the legal proceedings if challenged by other siblings at every turn.

Additionally, blended families are often a hotbed for conflict after a loved one’s death. Some children may always resent a stepparent or their stepsiblings, and if those individuals receive a considerable amount of the remaining assets, biological children may feel cheated or believe that some wrongdoing has occurred. Unfortunately, wrongdoing is a possibility, but it is wise to thoroughly review a situation before jumping to such conclusions.

Hopefully, a loved one will have taken steps to create an estate plan that addresses the potential for conflict during probate. Still, even with specific instructions, conflicts could come about, and California executors may have a hard time settling final affairs. Because of these possibilities and others, it is typically wise to enlist professional help throughout the legal proceedings to ensure that any hiccups are handled effectively.

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