Why Mediate in Surrogate's Court? Practical Benefits and Real Examples

New York Private Client Associate Emma K. Pletenycky recently co-authored an article for the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Trusts and Estates Law Section titled “Why Mediate in Surrogate’s Court? Practical Benefits and Real Examples.”

The article discusses how mediation serves as an effective alternative to traditional litigation in Surrogate’s Court, providing families with a more constructive way to resolve complex estate and trust disputes. It outlines the practical and emotional advantages of mediation—preserving family relationships, reducing time and costs, and achieving customized, lasting outcomes. The piece also explains mediator training requirements and features illustrations from Surrogate Hilary Gingold’s courtroom that demonstrate how mediation can transform disputes into productive resolutions while maintaining familial harmony.

The article will appear in an upcoming issue of the NYSBA’s Trusts and Estates Law Section Journal.

Read the full article here.