Explain Why You Gave One Child More
A number of my clients leave different amounts to children via their Wills. In my experience, this occurs most often after parents give one of their children money to help out while they are alive, but not all children. The thought behind giving more through a Will is to give the child who did not receive money while mom and dad were alive a little more at death to equal things out. Of course there can be other reasons for unequal bequests including estrangement or other non-financial issues. A recent Wall Street Journal article notes that when this situation occurs, you should take steps to reduce the likelihood of conflict. Two good ways to reduce the likelihood of a Will contest are writing or videotaping an explanation of the unequal distribution and, under certain circumstances, taking additional steps to show a clear mind when you signed the Will.
