Managing Disputes Over Wills and Inheritance: Leading Lawyers on Navigating Clients Through Probate Contests (Inside the Minds)

Managing Disputes over Wills and Inheritance provides an authoritative, insider's perspective on best practices for advising clients during the often emotionally charged process of distributing a deceased's assets. Featuring partners from some of the nation's leading law firms, this book guides the reader through the most common disputes, including unequal division of assets, disinheritance, multiple-marriage scenarios, children from a prior marriage, and the asset titling and beneficiary designations for non-probate assets. With an understanding and appreciation for the unique and fact-specific nature of these cases, these top lawyers reveal their proven methods for assisting clients with effective estate planning strategies that mitigate ambiguity and calmly guiding beneficiary clients through the probate process. Additionally, these leaders also discuss the importance of preparing for and participating in a Will contest hearing. The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today, as these experienced lawyers offer up their thoughts on the keys to success within this complex field.

Inside the Minds provides readers with proven business and legal intelligence from leading C-Level executives and lawyers. Each chapter offers thought leadership and expert analysis on an industry, profession, or topic, providing a future-oriented perspective and proven strategies for success. Each author has been selected based on their experience and C-Level standing within the business and legal communities.

Chapters Include:
1. Mary A. Akkerman, Lindquist & Vennum LLP - "Handling Disputes in Estate Litigation"
2. Shelly Wald Harris, Shutts & Bowen LLP - "Best Practices for Avoiding Probate and Trust Disputes"
3. Russell J. Fishkind, Saul Ewing LLP - "A Legacy at Risk: Estate Planning vs. Estate Litigation"
4. Andrea C. Chomakos, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP - "Managing Beneficiaries' Expectations and Sense of Entitlement"
5. Michael Yopp, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP - "Estate Planning: Working with Clients to Resolve Family Business Conflicts, Avoid Litigation, and Provide for Their Heirs"
6. Allan C. Bell, Sills Cummis & Gross PC - "The Nuances of Representation for Varying Clients in Wills and Inheritance Disputes"

Appendices include:
Appendix A: Prenuptial Agreement
Appendix B: Attorneys' Certifications for Prenuptial Agreement
Appendix C: Estate Planning Questionnaire