Estate Mediation Services

What Is Estate Mediation?

Estate mediation is a peaceful and private way to work out disagreements about a person’s estate after they’ve passed away. These disagreements might include:

• Will disputes – when someone questions the contents or fairness of a will
• Inheritance disagreements – when people argue over who gets what
• Executor and trustee conflicts – when there’s confusion or frustration about how an estate is being managed
• Family conflicts – especially between siblings, step-family members, or second marriages
• Concerns about capacity or undue influence – if someone believes the will was made when the person wasn’t fully aware or was pressured

In simple terms, estate mediation brings everyone to the table—often literally—and helps them talk things through. With the help of a trained estate mediator, people can share their side, listen to others, and work toward an agreement that feels fair.

Why Choose Mediation Instead of Going to Court?

Court can be long, expensive, and stressful. And even after all that, it may not really solve the emotional side of things. Mediation is a better option for many families because:

• It’s faster and more affordable than legal battles
• It’s private, not public like a courtroom
• It gives everyone a voice
• It helps preserve relationships, which is important in families
• It focuses on finding common ground, not picking winners and losers

At Mather & Company, we understand how fragile things can feel during estate disputes. Our mediation services are always respectful, kind, and neutral. We’re not here to take sides—we’re here to help everyone find a solution that feels right.

How Does Estate Mediation Work?

Estate mediation starts with an initial consultation, followed by separate pre-mediation meetings with each party. We’ll talk with everyone involved, learn about the concerns, and explain how the process works. From there, we’ll schedule a mediation session—this can happen in person, over the phone, or online.

During the mediation sessions, we’ll guide the conversation to:

• Make sure everyone feels heard
• Explore the core issues
• Keep things respectful and on track
• Help the group come up with options and reach an agreement

If an agreement is reached (and it often is!), it can be put in writing so everyone is clear on what was decided. In many cases, this avoids the need for any court involvement at all.

Common Estate Mediation Situations

Disagreements About the Will

Sometimes people believe the will doesn’t reflect what the person really wanted, or they feel left out unfairly. Mediation can open up the conversation and help families find understanding.

Conflicts Between Siblings or Step-Family

Family dynamics can be complicated, especially when there are blended families or long-standing tensions. Mediation helps untangle those knots with calm, respectful communication.

Concerns About the Executor

If people don’t trust the person managing the estate—or if the executor feels overwhelmed—mediation offers a chance to reset expectations and get clarity.

Uneven Inheritance

When one person is left more than another, it can create hurt feelings. Talking it through in a safe space can help repair relationships and move toward peace.

Property and Family Heirloom Disputes

Fights over the family home, jewelry, or keepsakes are common. Mediation allows people to express the meaning behind items and explore ways to divide things fairly.

Why Choose Mather & Company for Estate Mediation?

At Mather & Company, we bring experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of family dynamics to every estate mediation. Based in Comox, BC, we’ve worked with families across the Comox Valley and beyond.

Here’s why so many people choose us:

• We specialize in family and estate mediation—this is our focus, not just a side service
• We’re neutral and fair—we help both sides work together, not against each other
• We keep things simple and stress-free—our process is calm, private, and approachable
• We understand the emotions involved—and we treat every family with respect
• We’re local—as family law and estate adminsitration lawyers we know the laws in BC and Canada
• We provide mediation coaching services – for individuals preparing to engage in mediation, our mediation coaching services provide valuable guidance and support so you are well prepared increasing chances of a successful outcome.

Whether your family is dealing with a will dispute, inheritance conflict, or an executor issue, we’re here to help find a solution that works for everyone.

Estate Mediation: A Better Way Forward

No one wants to be stuck in a long legal battle with family. Mediation offers a different path. It’s about listening, understanding, and finding a way forward—together.

At Mather & Company, we believe every family deserves a chance to work things out with dignity. If you’re facing an estate dispute or just want to avoid one, let’s talk. Our estate mediation services are here to support you every step of the way.

Book a Free Consultation

Need help resolving an estate issue? Reach out today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the next steps and help you decide if estate mediation is right for your situation.

Serving Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and surrounding areas in British Columbia.

Contact an Estate Mediator to get started.