In what looks like a plot straight out of the succession, there is an increase in parents who leave more in their will for one child than another.
It is according to Scott Taylor, who heads the private dispute team at the Legal Cabinet Moore Barlow.
It may seem unfair to leave different quantities – and Taylor has data that shows a little less than half of the British think that it is justified – but that does not mean that parents have no valid reasons.
Scott Taylor
Even so children have the right to take their parents in some cases their inheritance.
“We see an increase in unequal will, and generally for good reasons where a brother can be financially better than the other or had more support in his lifetime,” said Taylor.
“But just because these reasons make sense to you, it does not mean that they will do it for your children.”
So why do parents do this?
There are a number of reasons why parents can weigh the inheritance differently between their children.
It could be motivated by the amount of financial support that a child has obtained, whether in the form of university tuition fees or a house depot, for example.
One can have a better job than another or married in a richer family, and of course, everything could be summed up with personal relationships.
This is often the case on farms, said Taylor that a child will be more active in the company and will therefore inherit a larger share.
And he has a client now opting for a “Hotchpot” clause, which essentially deduces the amount of money or the value of an asset transferred in the life of the will.
Do children agree with that?
It will not always be well received by all children – and it is not unknown that parents are brought to justice.
Taylor highlights two ways to prevent this.
First, and above all, talk to them.
“I encourage you to have open discussions with your children on your plans, manage expectations and reduce the probability of conflict,” said Taylor.
But if tensions are inevitable, an independent mediator can help children “navigate their concerns and reach an agreement,” he said.
“It is also very successful – more than 70% of the mediations are resolved.”
Learn more
It is the silent war that the perfume industry will not speak to you
Has the Airbnb bubble broke out?
What is really like living on a channel – and how much it costs
What can they do if they feel hard?
Children can take the way to court because they are automatically eligible for complaints against the succession of their parents.
But here is the key – they have to show a financial need.
“The law does not support complaints by disappointed or dissatisfied beneficiaries,” said Taylor.
“So just think it’s unfair will not be enough.”
From a legal point of view, “equity” in the heritage is in fact subjective, said Taylor.
“You can make any decision you like-even if you know that everyone will not like it,” he added.
“The key to do it well and guarantee that your wishes are respected and your family understands is planning, professional support and clear communication.
“We may not like to talk about wills, but to resolve tensions, that’s the best way.”
Have you had a dispute on a will? Share your experience with us by sending an email to moneyblog@sky.uk
To find out more about how to do will and what they involve, click here.