Mediation in Today's Estate Settlement World
Rikk Larsen
The estate settlement process has many areas of potential conflict that mediation can often handle far more effectively than ad hoc family negotiations and traditional legal proceedings. Why mediation is effective in this complex emotional field and what can we do to promote its use more broadly.  

Estate Planning and Family Business Mediation
Laura Bachle
Unlike J.R. Ewing in Dallas, controversy arises among families and business owners more often as a result of misunderstanding than malevolent motives. When people get beyond the resistance and begin working together on an estate plan MOU or partnership charter, they discover that openly dealing with issues lessens the likelihood of misperception, builds trust and confidence, and improves their chances for long-term success.

The Use of Mediation in Estate Planning: A Preemptive Strike against Potential Litigation
John Gromala
Use of an independent mediator during the planning process can help estate planners improve client satisfaction, reduce the probability of family litigation and avoid malpractice claims.

Mediating a Key Estate Settlement Issue–Dividing Personal Property
Rikk Larsen
Mediation with its “structural requirement” that parties focus on and value the dynamics of their relationships and interests before grabbing at specific options can be a powerful process tool for families struggling with difficult personal property distribution issues.