DEAR ABBY: My grandpa has expressed to me that he wants me to inherit all of his investments, including his 401(k) and his personal accounts. I am the only family member taking care of him. His wife passed away two months ago.
He has expressed his wishes to me verbally. (I have recorded him stating this.) He does not want my sister or his other family members to inherit anything.
Should I honor his wishes and accept it all? My sister, who calls him occasionally, thinks she should get half of his estate when he passes. (It could be five or 10 years from now.) Should I honor his wishes or split it 50-50 to keep the peace? — EYE TO THE FUTURE IN TEXAS
DEAR EYE: I am very glad you wrote. Although you have your grandfather on tape expressing his wishes about the distribution of his estate, it is CRUCIAL they be discussed with an attorney who specializes in estate planning!
Those wishes should be put IN WRITING and notarized so there will be no confusion about his intentions or his reason for apportioning his estate the way he is doing.
Your sister will be furious when she gets the news, and you may need legal protection, so be prepared.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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