Probate disputes are rarely just about money — they are often about relationships, fairness, and family history. This interactive workshop will explore how mediation can address the deep emotional and financial complexities that arise in contested estates. Using the case study “Three Sisters and a Broken Trust”, participants will examine the dynamics of sibling conflict following the loss of a parent, where caregiving roles, perceived favoritism, and financial stakes collide.

Through small-group analysis of a written case study and guided debrief with experienced mediators, attendees will gain practical strategies for addressing distrust, balancing the legal duties of trustees with the emotional needs of beneficiaries, and preventing litigation costs from consuming estate assets. The session will highlight techniques for reframing issues to reduce division, ethical considerations unique to probate mediation, and approaches to preserving both family relationships and estate value.