When a parent dies it is often, unfortunately, the case that old unresolved conflicts and competitions reappear. Parents often speak to the big items in their wills, Often they leave the smaller sentimental items, such as jewelry, vases, paintings and furniture for the adult children to divide on their own.
And therein can lie the conflicts. What if two adult children want the same item? What if some items are worth more emotionally than others? What if some items are worth more financially than others? How can these issues be resolved?
The resolution revolves around setting up a process which is transparent, meaning everyone knows what will happen, and which seems fair. Then if you get some or most of what you want you feel okay.
Read more…http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/16/your-money/when-dividing-assets-the-little-things-matter.html?_r=0