Trusts & Estates Committee
Dispute Resolution Section | New York State Bar Association
Transforming Conflict. Elevating Practice. Empowering Resolution.
The Trusts & Estates Committee of the NYSBA Dispute Resolution Section—led by Co-Chairs Kera Reed and Delton R. Henderson—brings together attorneys who specialize in or have a strong interest in trusts, estates, wills, probate, Surrogate’s Court proceedings, contested guardianship cases, and elder law disputes.
These matters often involve deeply personal, emotional dynamics that complicate legal issues. Our mission is to support the use of mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques to help navigate and resolve these sensitive cases with dignity, efficiency, and professionalism.
What We Do
- Foster Community & Collaboration
Join a supportive network of professionals dedicated to improving outcomes in emotionally charged trust and estate disputes. - Promote Mediation in the Courts
We advocate for increased use of mediation, including pilot programs in Surrogate’s Courts and contested Article 81 Guardianship matters. - Offer Annual CLE Programs
Participate in timely, high-quality Continuing Legal Education (CLE) events focused on dispute resolution in the trusts and estates field. - Build a Knowledge Hub
Contribute to and access a growing library of written resources and case studies exploring mediation techniques and best practices. - Lead Legislative & Policy Efforts
Help identify and circulate model statutes from other states that integrate mediation into probate and guardianship proceedings. - Train the Next Generation
Be part of practical demonstrations and skills training in mediation for use in wills, trusts, elder disputes, and related matters. - Collaborate Across NYSBA
Co-sponsor events and programs with other NYSBA Sections, Committees, and external Bar groups to broaden your professional network.
Why Join?
If you’re committed to advancing mediation in trust and estate law—and want to be part of a forward-thinking group that is shaping the future of how these disputes are resolved—we invite you to get involved.
This Committee is ideal for law students, attorneys, mediators, arbitrators, and other professionals who believe that resolution should be as compassionate as it is effective.
Get Involved Today
Ready to learn more?
Become a Member of the Dispute Resolution Section and select the Trusts & Estates Committee as your area of interest.
Questions? Contact us at Kera (kreed@rmfpc.com) and Delton (delton@lawofficedrh.com).
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