What Happened:
We had a case that involved a complex family trust dispute between six siblings, two of whom were successor trustees of their parents’ trust. The core issue stemmed from disagreements over the sale of trust assets, including a residential property and a family-run restaurant. Tensions escalated to the point where a probate petition was filed, alleging breach of fiduciary duty.
Despite an unsuccessful Mandatory Settlement Conference and nearly a year of failed mediation efforts, the family remained divided. A major emotional hurdle also emerged around the distribution of family photos and memorabilia, leading to further conflict during a scheduled walkthrough of the family home. Misunderstandings over the process nearly derailed the settlement entirely when access to the property was briefly denied.
How Stone & Sallus Helped:
Stone & Sallus played a key role in guiding the case toward resolution through persistent communication, strategic legal filings, and thoughtful mediation support. We filed objections, prepared a comprehensive trust accounting, and submitted a Petition for Instructions to bring clarity and direction to the trust administration process.
Our team stayed closely engaged throughout the mediation process, which included a pivotal nine-hour session in September 2023. Ultimately, we secured a settlement that allowed for the sale of the residential property and enabled our clients to purchase the restaurant business under mutually agreeable terms.
When a last-minute conflict threatened to derail the final walkthrough, we acted quickly to coordinate with all parties and counsel, diffusing the situation and negotiating terms for a limited walkthrough that satisfied everyone. Our proactive and assertive communication ensured the final pieces of the settlement fell into place, allowing the family to move forward with closure and peace.
