In some cases, parents leave completely equal bequests to their children in their estate plan. For instance, a parent leaves $100,000 to each child and gives them all equal ownership in the family home. They can decide what they want to do with it from there.
But in other cases, parents will use unequal bequests, perhaps considering what their children really need. A parent may know that one child has more debt or other financial challenges, so they may give them a larger bequest simply because it’s helpful. But the problem with doing this is that it can also increase the odds of an estate dispute.
Reasons for disputes
One reason this happens is just sibling rivalry. The person who received less feels like their parents must have loved their sibling more than them. This is already an emotional time, so it sparks a dispute.
Another problem is just that expectations aren’t met. A child who expected to get a bigger inheritance and feels like it was instead given to their sibling is disappointed and frustrated about it, and may take legal action.
Finally, unequal bequests can sometimes lead to serious allegations. For instance, the beneficiary who received more than their siblings may be accused of exerting undue influence on their elderly parents to get them to change the estate plan. Whether this happened or not, it can spark an estate dispute.
Addressing these conflicts
When families find themselves embroiled in estate disputes and other serious conflicts, they need to find legal solutions. It’s important for them all to understand their rights and the steps they can take at this time.