Alright, let’s cut to the chase. When it comes to writing a will, especially when you’ve got two adult children in the picture, the traditional playbook says split it 50/50, right? Level playing field. But we’re not here to play it safe; we’re here to win at life. So, should the less fortunate one get more, or do you slice the pie evenly?
Let’s break it down, Slay Bambini style.
First off, life isn’t fair. Never has been, never will be. Anyone telling you differently is selling you something. You think the world cares about fairness? It rewards the bold, the smart, the tough. But here’s where it gets interesting. As a parent, your job isn’t to cushion the world for your kids; it’s to prepare them for it. That means tough love is on the menu.
Now, dividing your estate. The easy way out is to split it 50/50. That’s the path most tread. It’s clean, it’s simple, and nobody can argue with the math. But here’s the kicker – does it actually benefit your children equally? Not a chance. Life doesn’t dish out challenges in equal measure; why should your will?
If one of your adult children is clearly less fortunate, perhaps through no fault of their own, you’re faced with a choice. Do you level the playing field for them with your will, or do you let the harsh lessons of life teach them as they have taught you? This is where your values as a parent come into play. Are you the safety net, or the final tough love lesson?
Here’s the deal: If you decide to weigh your will based on need, you must communicate this clearly and without apology. Life’s been handing out lessons since day one; this is just another on the list. It’s not about favoritism; it’s about equipping your children with what they need to succeed, which might not always be a 50/50 split of your estate.
But let’s not forget the power of self-reliance. Handouts don’t build character or resilience; struggle does. By dividing your estate unequally, you’re potentially robbing your more fortunate child of the pride that comes from building their own empire, while also risking making your less fortunate child dependent on your posthumous generosity.
So, what’s the verdict? It’s not cut and dry. It’s about understanding your children, their capabilities, their drive, and their needs. A will isn’t just a document dividing assets; it’s a final testament to how you see your children navigating the world without you. You might decide to split it evenly to encourage them to stand on their own feet or allocate according to need to give them both a fighting chance. Whichever route you choose, make it count. Remember, lions don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep. Your legacy, your rules.
Should the less fortunate one get more, or do you slice the pie evenly? It’s not about favoritism; it’s about equipping your children with what they need to succeed, which might not always be a 50/50 split of your estate. Lions don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep. Your legacy, your rules.
