Comments on: Can I Leave Zero Bucks to One Son?

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:44:33 +0000

Give your estate to those you love.

If you judge your love for your children solely on their fertility, then by all means just pay off the ones who bred grandchildren for you.

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:36:07 +0000

Perfectly reasonable to provide liquid assets to the two sons who have responsibilities that go beyond taking care of themselves and thieir spouses. With the economy spiraling out of control, and most costs that relate to kids and their future growing higher, there is clearly a need for a “needs based” estate. You can write into your will the reasons you chose to do so, and include a special section for the one “left out”.
To show the son without children you love him as much, there must be many cherished possessions that you give him that will make that point (If he judges you solely on whether he is getting his share of the pie, he’s notthe loving son he should be.)

Greg

By: Rhoda

Rhoda — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:34:23 +0000

I have a thought. You all should divide the money — each according to his needs — while you’re all alive.

By: Clarissa

Clarissa — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:33:00 +0000

You definitely are making judgments about their life choices, which will lead to very painful discussions and a lot of in-fighting. How fondly do you expect these heirs to remember you?

By: Ray

Ray — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:27:09 +0000

You and your husband are both right — but you choose different paths. In your place, I’d allocate funds for each grandchild on condition that they matriculate. Divide the remainder of the estate in equal parts.