The frequent family meeting, held in a structured way at an appointed time is very useful for keeping everyone up to date and in the loop. Whether face to face or by conference call, frequent meetings allow time for substantial discussion of the issues. With frequent meetings enough agenda time is provided to cover all items and to keep the energy moving.

A formal meeting with agenda, minutes, financial report, action reports, followed by clear presentation of new business, gets the job done. Many of the families I work with decide to rotate Meeting Leader, Minute Taker, Action Reminder and Contact Person. The jobs are rotated every six months, or so. As the family needs change from elder care to estate settlement, there is a team in place.

You can run your meetings any way that works for you. Do consider the value of the formal meeting process that has familiar rules of behavior and decision-making in place, such as Roberts Rules of Order.

Many families have found it helpful to have a facilitator preside over their first few meetings. A neutral facilitator helps set and maintain ground rules for the group. Ground rules create and maintain a safe environment. A safe environment encourages participants to find, adopt, and practice new habits that are critical to a peaceful estate settlement. 

1. Identify the Parties Involved
2. Begin The Conversation
3. Build Trust
4. Competency of Trustee & Advisors
5. Element Five: Design Your Alliance for Family Meetings
6. Build A Team
7. Meet Regularly
8. Plan Fun into the Process
Conclusion