Estate Mediation is a process that helps parties work through conflict arising from the distribution of the assets of a loved one who has passed away. Whether families are trying to vary a will because they believe they have been wrongly disinherited by their parent or spouse, or individuals are trying to set aside a will over concerns of undue influence or lack of capacity, these types of disputes are often emotionally taxing for everyone involved. By using mediation, families and other beneficiaries such as the recipients of charitable testamentary gifts, are able to sort through the challenges encountered when administering estates in a private, timely and less costly manner than proceeding through the court system.
Understanding that all families operate differently, Arlene’s role in the mediation process as the impartial third party ensures that all relevant voices are heard and all creative solutions are explored. In families where estate conflicts can be anticipated, mediation can play a role in the estate planning stage, particularly with respect to planning charitable giving. Arlene will talk about her experiences with difficult and unusual estate mediations, and will share her tips for the effective use of mediation for estate planning professionals.
Eligible for 2 CFRE Credits
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY MARCH 2 2020, (no late registrations accepted)
Arlene Henry
Arlene is a Lawyer, Mediator, Arbitrator, Instructor, and Coach who has been practicing law since 1986, mediating since 1998 and proudly received her Queen’s Counsel designation in 2005.
Arlene spent nearly 20 years as a wills and estate lawyer, assisting clients in succession planning, wills drafting and administering of estates, making her uniquely qualified to understand the nuances involved in estate mediation. She has also been a long-time proponent of individuals using mediation as an early intervention tool in succession planning, particularly when prospective beneficiaries are adults or when blending families.
Arlene has focused her dispute resolution practice on the restructuring of families resulting from separation and divorce, wills and estate challenges, elder care and management and unwinding of closely-held businesses. Arlene is a multi-accredited civil and family law mediator and is highly skilled in the use of various collaborative interventions, including mediation, facilitated negotiations and med-arbitration.
Arlene sits on several Boards and numerous committees within the dispute resolution community and is actively involved in the development of new resolution disciplines in family law within BC, including non-evaluative child interviews, med-arbitration, arbitration, parenting coordination and family violence screening.
Arlene has worked with aboriginal First Nations since 1991, developing custom lands policies; drafting laws for self-governing nations; and assisting with the final effective date implementation of each of the Tsawwassen First Nation and the Maa-nulth First Nations Treaties.
