Many, perhaps most, families find it difficult to talk about estate planning. Parents may be uncomfortable with the idea that their adult children would have any input in the planning process. Without that input, parents may make decisions that seem wise, but are based on mistaken beliefs and impressions. Some may be uncomfortable informing their […]
Community Mediation, Inc.’s Celebration
On October 28, 2009, New Haven’s Community Mediation, Inc. celebrated 20 Years of Peacemaking to mark the retirement (at least from CM) of its long-time Executive Director, Charlie Pillsbury. The event also honored two former CM Board Presidents, Alison Bonds and Ronald Netter, and peer mediators in New Haven public schools. Volunteer adult mediators, peer […]
Mediation for Westport, CT property dispute?
In the New York Times “Wealth Matters” column on September 5, 2009, Paul Sullivan wrote about a dispute between neighbors in “Somebody’s Watching … And Ready to Sue.” He described the case of Westport, CT neighbors feuding over a stone wall that cost $170,000 to install in 2005. Since then, the couple that built the […]
Ford Family Business Conflicts — Part II
The New York Times published an article on June 23 by Bill Vlasic titled “Family Loyalty Anchors Ford in Risky Times”. The article discussed some of the challenging times that the Ford family business has faced, along with other auto makers, especially in recent years and months. Last time I wrote about the regular family […]
Ford Family Business Conflicts — Part I
The New York Times published an article on June 23 by Bill Vlasic titled “Family Loyalty Anchors Ford in Risky Times”. The article discussed some of the challenging times that the Ford family business has faced, along with other auto makers, especially in recent years and months. As the piece noted, tough times have “led […]
My estate mediation letter published by Annie’s Mailbox
On June 1,2009, Annie’s Mailbox, a nationally-syndicated advice column, published my letter about using a mediator to help with a family fight brewing over heirlooms. These kinds of conflicts are common, whether the heirlooms have great monetary value or only sentimental value. Read the original letter and response, describing the estate settlement conflict. Then read […]
Community Mediation, Inc. and Conflict Prevention
Last week, Community Mediation, Inc. held its 8th Annual Father Nash Award program, this time honoring New Haven’s Community Leadership Program. Although Community Mediation, Inc. is best known for its work in conflict resolution, the nature of the award and remarks at the award breakfast focused much more on conflict prevention. By creating opportunities for […]
Yale University, its unions, and conflict resolution
The New Haven Register reported today that Yale University and its unionized workers were able to reach agreement on a contract without going on strike — for the first time since 1988! No strike, no arbitration, no formal mediation. I don’t often write about labor issues, but an interview today on WPNR shed some interesting […]
Estate Planning and Settlement Conflict, Astor-style
The protracted criminal case involving the estate of socialite and philanthropist is nearing trial in New York City. Prosecuters say that her son and his lawyer conspired to defraud her by having her change her will when she was mentally incompetent to do so. Of course it seems that the ultrarich lead different lives than […]
The 25 Year Estate Conflict
Today’s New York Times includes a story by Charles V. Bagli titled “Family Feud Over a Will Nears an End After 25 Years.” Yes, 25 years in the New York court system. Two sisters, Evelyn and Diana, say that they had believed that their father had died broke and without a will in 1956. They […]
