Mediation is an effective tool for settling inheritance disputes for a variety of reasons. They can assist in the settling of general disputes related to an estate, including contested wills. If the goal is to keep the involvement of the courts to a minimum in the settlement of an estate, mediation offers a fast and efficient tool for accomplishing the goals of everyone involved.

All types of alternative dispute resolution can play a role in inheritance disputes, but mediation is particularly effective because it recognizes the human side of the issue. Often, cases that arise from contested wills or contentious probate claims involve people who are still mired in the grieving process. Forcing them into the cold and sterile legal system can leave them feeling bitter, resentful, and incapable of handling such a matter during a dark time. Litigation is a sure-fire way to separate families and destroy relationships at the exact time family members should be pulling together to cope with their shared loss.

Mediation provides a safe venue to air grievances without destroying relationships. It provides a fast, efficient settlement by removing many of the most time-consuming court procedures. Mediation also allows for a settlement without creating a hostile environment of winners and losers. It is possible for everyone to walk away from an inheritance mediation happy with the result.  The goal of mediation is to open the door for disputing parties to design a resolution that is fair and satisfactory to everyone involved. As long as participants are willing to be open-minded and honest, there is no reason why a solution cannot be created that satisfies the requirements of the law and allows everyone in the family to move forward peacefully and without resentment. Though the cost is often the main factor for a family to choose mediation for settling an inheritance dispute, the other benefits can be even more rewarding.