When it comes to our children, we want to equally divide our time, love, and attention the best that we can. And when we think about our estate plans for our heirs, equal division may be the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s not always the best solution as not all heirs are created equal in terms of their needs.
This subject was taken up by Business Insider in a recent article titled “Not Every Good Estate Plan Treats Its Heirs Equally.”
Sometimes you can divide everything equally and everyone is happy. However, sometimes the “even-Steven” approach may not be the best approach in every situation. For example, the recipients may have very different needs, some may be more deserving than others, or the estate assets may not be subject to easy division.
Have you ever marveled at how children who grew up under the same roof and eating at the same table can be so different? It can be as simple as the differences between two individuals: one adult child is wealthy while the other is a starving artist; one child is disabled or otherwise needs medical aid while the other is as healthy as a horse.
Then, there are the other kinds of inequities. For example, one child has received financial help from you over the years while the other toughed it out. The list of differences can go on and on, but it’s worth a look at the selection pulled together in the original article before taking a good look at your own plans and family dynamics.
Life can be complicated, and family can be complicated with it. When it comes to planning for your estate, you might need to proportion and tailor the inheritances responsibly. Be sure to seek competent legal counsel to help you plan for each unique child.
We have one week remaining for the fall series of free educational workshops (Tuesday, 11/20). Our recent workshops have been nearly sold-out! If you are interested or know someone who this information can help (maybe your parents or in-laws) be sure to register at the link below for the next free educational estate planning workshops asap:
Our recent workshops have been nearly sold-out!
To register for a free estate planning workshop at the learning center go here: http://www.myfamilylifeplan.com/workshops-Registration-Form.php
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation please call Attorney Patrick Kelleher at 781-871-PLAN (7526) or by email at Pat@myfamilylifeplan.com
Our firm helps families taking care of them for life. We not only “create” their Will and Trust, but we “maintain it and keep it updated” for them throughout their life! The meter is not running for our ‘Client Care Plan’ members!
Patrick J. Kelleher is a South Shore, MA resident and estate planning attorney serving and protecting families and businesses in the South Shore, MA area. For more information on estate planning visit our firm’s website at www.MyFamilyLifePlan.com where you can check out our Blog, free Newsletter library, free Estate Planning Channel on Youtube and sign up for a Free e-Newsletter!
Also serving the following communities South of Boston; Quincy, Milton, Braintree, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Scituate, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Hull, Hanover, Pembroke, Duxbury, Marshfield, Plymouth, Rockland, Hanson, Halifax, Plympton, Carver, Abington, Whitman, Kingston
This article is not intended to provide legal or tax advice or create or imply an attorney-client relationship. No information contained herein is a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.
Reference: Business Insider (October 26, 2012) “Not Every Good Estate Plan Treats Its Heirs Equally”
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