Dividing Inherited Property While Preserving Relationships

The death a family member, loved one, friend or associate can be overwhelming.  When feelings of loss and confusion are common, many people are also faced with making decision about the estate.  Often, even after meticulous preplanning, questions and disagreements can arise about the distribution of items.  Because this is such a stressful and emotional time, making decisions can be difficult and relationships can suffer.

An attorney can assist you in making legal arrangements about major assets including real estate, investments or cash.  A financial advisor can give you information about tax implications.

Creative Estate Distribution offers professional mediators, a defined process, and ten effective methods - the Creative Estate Distribution Systems - to help you make decisions about how to divide the contents of the estate in a way that is fair to all concerned.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Estates are settled quickly and amicably
• Everyone’s needs and preferences are addressed
• Mediators make sure everyone has input so the process is fair
• Creative, collaborative decisions are made
• Everyone knows what is going to happen next
• Important relationships remain intact

HOW DOES THE CED PROCESS WORK?

Professional mediators meet with clients to:

• Determine the extent of the estate and who should be involved in decisions
• Present the ten Creative Estate Distribution Systems: Ten different methods for determining how items in the estate can be distributed
• Help them select a system - or combination of systems - and develop a plan that addresses everyone’s needs

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM CREATIVE ESTATE DISTRIBUTION?

• Heirs
• Partners
• Families
• Executors
• Attorneys
• Accountants
• Facilitators
• Trust Officers
• Parents planning their estates
• Adult children of ill/aging parents
• People making end-of-life choices

WHAT KIND OF PROPERTY CAN BE DIVIDED?

Any item in the estate, including:

• Homes
• Cars
• Jewelry
• Furniture
• Photos
• Art
• Books
• Heirlooms
• Office equipment
• Clothing
• Household items
• Garden tools
• Items of sentimental value

WHO ARE THE MEDIATORS?

Liz Viola, M.A. has been a mediator and facilitator since 1985. She has had extensive training and experience in family, business, and public policy disputes. She is the former Assistant Director of the Dispute Resolution Center of Austin and is a former board member of the Austin Association of Mediators.

Pat Grigadean has been a professional mediator, trainer, facilitator, and coach since 1990. Her company, Pat Grigadean & Associates, provides organizations and individuals with a variety of processes and tools designed to enhance communication, productivity & efficiency, and create more harmonious relationships.

"We developed the Creative Estate Distribution Process and its ten Estate Distribution Systems in 1994, after many years of mediating a variety of family and business disputes.  We recognized the unique problems that arise when estates are divided, and became committed to helping clients  through this very challenging - and very human - experience."