The probate process can present a number of hurdles for families to work through, and these issues can be especially tough after a loved one has passed on. In this post, we will look beyond the legal and financial impact of the probate process and examine the emotional side of this topic. Specifically, the emotional impact of the probate process from a beneficiary’s point of view. Whether you are in charge of your loved one’s estate plan and have to deal with disgruntled beneficiaries or you are a beneficiary yourself, it is important to understand this side of probate.
First of all, losing a family member can be extremely tough, and many beneficiaries find themselves struggling with difficult emotions after their loved one’s death. Confusion, jealousy and even anger can all come into play during the probate process, and these emotions can be especially tense because of the underlying emotional pain of a loved one passing away. Sibling rivalries and bitter disputes are not uncommon during probate, and some people may decide to take further action (such as claiming that assets are not being distributed to beneficiaries properly).
It is crucial for beneficiaries to handle these emotions properly, and for others involved in the probate process to be understanding. Sadly, some probate disputes have torn families apart and the consequences of these disagreements can linger for many years. Worse, this outcome can be the exact opposite of what someone may have had in mind while creating their estate plan. Please review our website to go over some other estate-related legal issues.