JAMS Estate/Probate/Trust Practice Group
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 more than 400 retired state and federal judges and attorney neutrals with proven track records and extensive practice area and industry expertise. We handle an average of 18,000 cases in person or via remote or hybrid sessions each year.
Arbitration Services
In an era of unprecedented business disruptions, timely dispute resolution is critical. In-person, virtual or hybrid arbitration with an experienced JAMS arbitrator provides an effective alternative to protracted litigation.
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Mediation Services
Rigorous preparation. Creative solutions. Persistent follow-up. We work diligently every step of the way-from pre-mediation calls to post-mediation follow-up to help all parties arrive at the best possible outcome to their dispute.
Learn about our mediation process ›
Neutral Analysis Services
Unbiased, confidential case evaluation from the best legal minds in the business. We provide attorneys with advisory opinions allowing you to fine-tune arguments, reassess settlement options, manage client expectations—and ultimately proceed with a winning strategy.
Fine-tune your strategy with JAMS Neutral Analysis ›
Local Solutions. Global Reach. TM
JAMS successfully resolves business and legal disputes by providing efficient, cost-effective and impartial ways of overcoming barriers at any stage of conflict. JAMS offers customized, in-person, virtual and hybrid dispute resolution services through a combination of first class client service, the latest technology, top-notch facilities, and highly trained mediators and arbitrators.