Good Intentions Could Lead to Family Feuds
Let's say Mrs. Thomas has four daughters: Sally, Jane, Beth and Ann. Twenty years after the girls have all left home and married, Mama decides to take care of estate matters and begins to designate certain items to go to her individual daughters, with the well-meaning purpose of preventing arguments among them later. She designates an antique bed in the guest room for Sally and a special dresser of equal value for Jane (and so forth).
After Mrs. Thomas has passed away, the girls come together to settle the estate and divide up the furniture and household goods, etc. At some point in the process, Jane discovers that her mother has given "her" bed to Sally. Jane loved that bed and it was in her room all through the years when she was growing up. She is sure this must be a mistake. Sally is delighted because she loves the bed too and thinks it will be perfect for her daughter's room. Since Sally's daughter is the only "granddaughter", she is certain that is why Mama gave it to her . . .
Well, you know the rest of the story. It happens over and over, innocently, but feelings get hurt and resentments last a long time - often forever.
The problem was that Mama didn't really remember that the bed had been in Jane's room in earlier years. The girls had been away from home for more than twenty years, and she had turned that room into the guest room. She had come to think of that bed as just "the bed in the guest room." In this manner, Mama may actually have caused conflict instead of prevented it.
Here is a plan that might be helpful if you are approaching a move or planning to "downsize". Consider having all of your children come for a meal together without spouses and children. (NOTE: Most attorneys agree that 75% of the problems that arise during estate settlements are brought on by spouses and children of the heirs, not the immediate heirs themselves). During the meal, discuss the pending move and then announce that you wish to let some things go rather than move them all to the new but smaller dwelling. Ahead of time, mark the pieces that you are making available with a sticker. Then after the meal, have your children go through the house and put their initial on the sticker if they are interested in having an item. If more than one initial it, decide on a method for determining who gets it, (roll the dice, draw a card, flip a coin, etc.).
Since many go through this process of "downsizing" or moving to a new area later in life, this might be a good way to deal with the initial phase of this division process. Also, while going through it, parents could see trouble spots among their children (heirs) that might be dealt with in order to help avoid problems later.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Related Tags: family, to, good, lead, intentions, could, feuds
Angie Epting Morris has worked as a professional cartographer, a high school teacher of English and Geography and has owned a retail travel agency including a state accredited school to train travel industry personnel. She is now regarded as an expert in the field of Peaceful Settlements - "How to Settle an Estate Peacefully and Fairly". This involves her skills as a teacher in helping people learn her proven system for going through the division process of an Estate Settlement. She speaks and conducts workshops for groups regarding this important area of family relationships and also works with professionals (Attorneys, Estate and Financial Planners, CPAs, Insurance Companies, etc.) to help fulfill this important niche in the estate settlement process. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the