Sometimes
parents have a difficult choice to make when writing a will. One child may be financially successful and
secure. Another child could have a low
paying public service job. There may be
a child with special needs or a child who is unable to manage finances
responsibly. While there may be good
reasons to differentiate between children, unequal allocations of an estate can
strain sibling relationships and create unintended ill will in the surviving
family.
So, what is fair?
Family
dynamics differ. The amount of
assistance provided to children during life time maybe unequal. The amount of care provided by one child for
an aging parent can further complicate the challenge.
Have
you considered meeting with your children to explain your wishes and obtain
agreement or, at least, understanding?
Unless you have discussed with your children any unequal distributions, I highly recommend equal distribution under
your will.
