Making up wills. We are not rich, but probably better than average. Have 4 children (2 adopted, 2not.)
One is really angry and does not consider us her 'real' family. She has asked us (demanded of us) that we do not try to contact her or her children. He has been offended by previous gifts.
One is remote and has not communicated with us for several years. But we have sent birthday and Christmas presents.(no 'thank you's)
The other 2 (one adopted , one not) are quite close and we have a 'normal; family relationship with them. We are making up our wills.
Should the estate be divided 4 ways.? (no regard for closeness or behaviour?)
Should it be divided 2 ways between the 2 children that we interact with?
Should the children of the the estranged children be left out ?
What is the bast way to handle this?
Answers & Comments
yes, but how do *YOU* feel about your children? do you still love the one who rejects you and the one who ignores you? if so, then divide the estate equally. why? so that the kids don't fight after you're gone. don't give them reason to reject each other.
for the one with children who doesn't consider you family... put her one quarter portion in a trust for her children so they can use it to go to college. she might turn you down flat for herself but she would probably want her children to have the benefit of the inheritance.
the one who never answers... will take the money with no problem.
1 male 2 female