What if beneficiaries disagree?

Beneficiary disagreements happen. The key is to slow down, follow the document, communicate clearly, and avoid emotional decisions with legal consequences.

If there is a serious dispute, the trustee or executor should get legal advice before taking action.

A trustee’s job is not to make everyone happy. The job is to follow the trust, act responsibly, and fulfill fiduciary duties.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.