Estate, Probate and Trust Mediators and Arbitrators

Submit a Case

Timely, effective solutions from experienced, empathetic neutrals

The JAMS Estate/Probate/Trust Practice Group includes retired judges and attorney neutrals with decades of bench and bar experience handling estate, probate and trust cases, including complex, high-profile, high-value disputes. JAMS neutrals are adept at managing complicated family dynamics and are sensitive to the deeply emotional issues that often dominate such matters. They are also well versed in crossover issues involving family law and business/commercial disputes.

JAMS neutrals are available to resolve discrete issues or entire cases. They serve as mediators, arbitrators, discovery referees, judges pro tem and neutral evaluators. Our highly skilled case managers can provide a list of panelists best suited to handle your dispute based on their experience, background, rates and approach to alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

In-person or virtual sessions

Our panelists receive ongoing training in ADR and stay abreast of emerging probate law as well as the challenges presented by pandemic-related delays and disruptions. They are available to resolve disputes in person or remotely, and JAMS provides neutrals and parties with live tech support during virtual and hybrid sessions. Learn more about our virtual ADR services.

Extensive estate/probate/trust experience

JAMS neutrals have handled thousands of disputes involving virtually every type of trust and estate matter, as well as those that come before a probate court, including the following:

Beneficiary disputes
Accounting issues involving high-value trusts and conservatorships
Trust administration issues, including failing to administer the trust in accordance with its terms, favoring one beneficiary over another, self-dealing, mishandling trust assets and breaches
Undue influence and capacity
Contested inheritance rights
Contested conservatorships
Limited conservatorships
Guardianship matters and related custody and visitation issues

JAMS is the world’s largest private ADR provider, with hearing facilities in major cities around the globe. Our panel includes over 500 retired state and federal judges and attorney neutrals with proven track records and extensive practice area and industry expertise. We handle an average of 21,000 cases in person or via remote or hybrid sessions each year.