Thanks to Hollywood, many people picture the reading of a will as a dramatic event, with family gathered around a long table, anxiously awaiting to hear what’s been left to them. The scene often ends with either heartfelt gratitude or bitter disappointment. But in real life, talking to your parents about their will ahead of time is far more important and far less glamorous than any cinematic version would have you believe.
An estate plan is meant to protect a person’s assets and ensure they’re distributed according to their wishes. But that’s not always how it plays out. Wills can grow complicated over time, especially when they’re revised due to marriages, births, or other life changes. If multiple children or family members are involved, disagreements can easily surface—especially if no one has had a clear, honest conversation before that day comes.
Sibling rivalry and parents’ will
Knowing the contents of a parent’s will during their life could lead to emotions, arguments and other negative effects. In matters where siblings have routinely been treated differently, even in adulthood, this could generate negative feelings.
Although it might be difficult to digest what you are getting or not getting when reading through a parent’s estate plan, the silver lining here is that your parents are still alive. This means that there is still time for conversations. However, this conversation should be navigated appropriately, as it should not result in a parent feeling forced or influenced into changing their estate plan.
Contesting a will
If a conversation is not possible because your parents passed before you knew the contents of the will, it is still possible to take action. Contesting a will could be a helpful way to determine who is in fact the rightful heir to certain assets and property. While this could evolve into a complex legal matter, it could also help to ensure that you parents’ will is properly executed.
Whether you have concerns now about a current estate plan or are questioning an executed will of a loved one, it is important to understand the situation. This could help you gain the knowledge necessary to act and protect your rights.
