39 of 50

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 5

peacefully and purposefully contact each person, and lovingly confront him or her on the issue. They should seek to understand the person's feelings, and openly suggest resolution. For example, if a son feels that while growing up, his siblings received more presents or gifts of greater value, the Benefactor should ask the suffering sibling, what they could do to make it right. It might be that the offended beneficiary just wants acknowledgment of the wrong or an apology, or they might require something more substantial, like giving them a sum they feel would be just. Unless the request is totally outrageous, the benefactor should err on the side of giving such a sum, as it is well worth the cost to bring peace to future distributions.

Second, since some siblings or beneficiaries may harbor resentment inside, but be good at covering it up with superficial happiness, a wise benefactor will contact each beneficiary individually and lovingly ask them if they harbor any ill feelings or feel unjustly treated. The benefactor should also ask them if they know of any of their siblings that may have mentioned feelings of being unjustly treated. Based on the information gained the Benefactor should then follow-up on that information and repeat the first step in seeking to resolve the issues.
Third, after resolving all known issues, the Benefactor should organize a family reunion to foster good feelings and set the tone for the future distribution event. As part of the proceedings they should have a formal family gathering, in which they confess their weaknesses as parents, express unconditional love for each sibling, and express their sincere desires that when the time of their passing comes, their inheritance will be divided lovingly and with equity. They should testify to their loved ones, that no amount of inheritance is worth disunity and family hatred. Such a meeting would also be a good place to promulgate a list of intended distributions of sentimental items and seeking feedback, in keeping with the principles outlined in the following paragraphs.

Divide the Inheritance Before Death. Most readers will have seen the bumper sticker "We are spending our kids inheritance now" while admittedly that might be one way to forestall any anger or resentment over the inheritance, in other words to use it up, that is not always the best way to proceed, and in truth reveals its own form of greed. However, in that same vein, it actually could do much good for benefactors to

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Ways for siblings to divide an inheritance?
We want to hear your view. Write now!