When you create your will, it is always best to consider how the terms of the will may affect the people that you include or exclude from it. For many families, unequal bequests in a will can create strong rifts between family members who feel that they were treated unfairly. While your wishes are your own and you have the freedom to leave your property to anyone that you’d like, it is always a good idea to think ahead and anticipate how certain bequests may create conflict.
If, for instance, you have two children, you may wish to leave more of your property to one than the other. If your children do not know that you plan to do so, it can create great tensions between them or other parties who get involved. In many instances, it is wise to make your wishes known ahead of time, and in some cases, you may want to explain you reasoning to your children and any other beneficiaries.
This is important for one simple reason. If you do not explain your reasoning, the individuals who receive a bequest (or conspicuously do not receive a bequest) will probably fill in their own explanations. It is much wiser to make sure that your beneficiaries understand why you want to leave more of your property to one party and not another, rather than let them create their own reasons, which are usually not particularly charitable.
Making your wishes known and protecting your legacy are some of the most important things you can do as you make a will. Be sure that you have a clear understanding of the legal and personal implications of your wishes, to keep your rights protected and to ensure that your loved ones receive the gifts that you wish for them to have without creating unnecessary tensions between beneficiaries.
