Losing someone we love leaves a huge hole in our lives, and it stirs up a mix of emotions. Now, add money into this equation — and you’ve got a potential disaster waiting to happen. A reader recently lost her parents and when inheritance came into discussion, her relationship with her siblings took a turn for the worst. She asked for our advice, and we tried to find some tips that we hope will bring back her relationship with her brother and sister.

• Open and honest communication is crucial.Reach out to your siblings and express your concerns and feelings. Share your perspective on how the inheritance is affecting your relationship. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings as well. This can be a starting point for understanding each other’s viewpoints.
• Seek mediation. If the conflicts seem hopeless, consider involving a neutral third party like a mediator or counselor. They can help facilitate productive discussions, provide perspective, and guide the conversation towards resolution.
• Focus on the bigger picture. Remind yourselves of the values your parents instilled in you. Reflect on the memories you shared, the love they had for each other, for you and your siblings, and their hopes for your future. Reconnect with the common ground that brought you together as a family.