Should one child get more in a will than another?

Question

We were discussing wills with our families. My inlaws have it set up that each child gets 20% (3 kids) and the 4th (youngest- has a disability) gets 40%. He will likely always need an aid at home but has potential to get a job. While my parents have it so that my husband and I will get 50 % our kids will get 30% and my bother 20% (bad terms with parents). Is it fair do you think? I always planned on doing 50:50 but I guess we'll see 😊

Answer

In the case of your in laws it is absolutely fair to set the child with a disability and needing in home care up with more than the able bodied children. I don't really think a will has to be divided evenly between children, no matter what.

Answer

I think it absolutely depends. Family relationships, trust, abuse, circumstances, disability, heirs... all these things should be considered when making a will.

Answer

Pretty fair. It's their possessions and they have a right to divide it however they want. I am the youngest and the only adopted out of the bunch and I will be getting my(our) parents house when they pass.

Answer

It depends on each child's interest, connections  with the parents, future wants or needs, etc.

Answer

I think it depends. My dad got more because he was the youngest and stayed with my grandparents until they died and also worked hard

Answer

Yes, I think wills are a case by case thing.

Answer

Lol I wish my family had enough money to even have a will 😂

Answer

You don't necessarily deserve any of your parents money or possessions. We should be grateful if they are willing to leave us something at all.

Answer

When my inlaws pass my husband and his step brother are the only ones listed in their will. His sister and stepsister get nothing. For them I believe it's because the boys make an effort, come around often, and help out around the house/barn. The girls only come around Thanksgiving (sometimes) and Christmas for money and gifts. They'll be pissed, but ultimately it's their parent's decision. Ideally equal parts would be beneficial for all left behind, but if all left behind weren't equally involved in their lives why should they receive an equal amount of assets from the deceased? I think what you've described seems reasonable especially since you've somewhat described the bad relations between siblings and parents.

Answer

I think it's fair in your case. I also think if you are closer to certain people than others then it's fine. At the end of the day if you are truly devastated a loved one has gone then money is the last thing on your mind, anything is very kind and appreciated.

Should one child get more in a will than another?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey