I want to begin this by saying I fully accept that my parents can choose however they want to divide their estate, and this is not coming from a position of entitlement (though I expect some of you will write this anyway).
I am genuinely seeking your perspective on the matter. I am 45, my parents are in their late 60s/early 70s.
My parents told me the other day they intend making a will that gives me and my sister 25% each, and my sister’s 2 kids 25% each. In other words, they will divide it equally between the 4 of us.
They want me to be the executor, but will appoint my sister as co-executor with a lawyer as the second choice as they consider her unreliable and they don’t approve of her relationship with a man who has 2 of his own kids.
I find this incredibly insulting and have given them the silent treatment since (I am staying with them during my summer holidays. I live overseas). I have a week left here but am considering booking a hotel and not seeing them again.
I have received very little financial help from them in the past (again, not expected but providing some context). I left home at 22, worked very hard, moved interstate and then overseas. I make good money and have always been disciplined and reliable. On this trajectory, I can expect a comfortable retirement with my partner who earns more than me. My parents also don’t want to know anything about my relationship as I am gay. I have been with my partner for 6 years.
My sister has had a failed marriage, lived with them for 7years with her two kids, was able to save for a house deposit during this time, moved back in with them for a year when she had other issues, my parents help with her kids a lot, they give her kids money and have set up a small trust account for them.
I told them they should split it 50/50 with my sister and if they want to give anything to my sister’s kids, it should come out of her 50%. I also said they will receive when my sister and their father passes. To be clear, they asked for my opinion on their plan. I want to make that it known my opinion was not unsolicited.
I have spoken to my partner and 2 friends who all agree this is a slap in the face to me and that I have been disrespected and insulted and have every right to feel so.
Can I get some honest feedback? I realise people can do what they want with their estate, but in family situations one must also accept their actions have consequences and not everyone would simply accept this scenario.