Should two adult children be treated differently re inheritance, because one has children and the other one does not, by choice or not?

Each branch of the family tree should be allocated the same amount of money. The will can allocate that branch’s money within the generations of that branch as appropriate.

the exception is if one sibling is profoundly disabled and needs lifetime care.

My brother has been vocal that he thinks he should get more than me because he has children and I don't. Not just inheritance either - things like demanding the piano that I had learnt to play on that my parents were keeping until I had a house big enough to have it because his daughter was learning and it should go to a grandchild. He'd never touched the thing.

My parents are resisting but he's making their life difficult and I've told them not to worry about it because I earn well and will have a good pension (he won't becauseof poor life choices). I'd rather they save themselves the stress but they are adament they will be fair.

When someone dies, or before, when they are talking about their will, how it is divided up is more than money, it is a representation of your parents love for you. People who don't see that are dense.
To be told that you will not receive anything or receive less because you don't have children for whatever reason, is reinforcing the message that those of us who made the decision not to have children/couldn't hear on a regular basis - friends, family, wider society - that our lives and choices are less important than our children siblings and that we are valued less.

It hurts.

In an ideal world, I would say equally although in some circumstances I can understand why there may be provisions made for any offspring who may need long term care.

Having spent the last couple of decades living with and caring for parents and making their house fit for their deteriorating needs, I may not be the best person to ask.

I’ve just been told that my sibling’s children have been left everything. Apparently not an inconsiderable amount and it includes the house I live in with them.

It is their money to do with as they please of course. It just feels like the ultimate kick in the teeth.

money needs to be shared equally between the deseased persons children and in turn that cash filtered down to grandchildren if desired.

Cash needs to be split 50:50 so that half goes to one side of the family and the other half goes to the other side of the family. It’s irrelevant who has kids and who doesn’t.

I think it depends on the age of the grandchildren to an extent.

All children of the person leaving the inheritance should get equal amounts, including if the children are still small. Adult grandchildren perhaps will inherit a little in their own right because the grandparent already knows what might help them most - ie uni fees, house deposit, holiday, savings or perhaps something material that is passed down because the grandchildren has more interest in it than anyone else.

My in laws have split their estate equally between their children. Some have DC, some have none.

My parents have weighted their estate between their children depending on how many dependents each of their children has.

Nobody thinks anyone loves anyone less or more than anyone else, because all the children are adults and have fully functioning brains in their heads. My parents have had long discussions with their children, my in laws have done the same with theirs. All four grandparents still alive, everything is settled, everyone knows where everyone stands, everyone is happy and free to focus on what matters.

When it comes to inheritance it's entirely up to the person writing the will, it's their money.

The only moral right or wrong here is what the person wants to do with their own money.

Those were my thoughts!

They should be treated the same

My family is wealthy and the rule is that inheritance is only given to those continuing the family line, so as a childless and infertile person I wouldn’t inherit and my siblings would get the lot.

As it is I’m estranged from my parents (not over the inheritance before anyone starts), so it’s a moot point. It felt hugely unfair at the time, though, as my infertility was due to a massive health scare and a medical condition I’ll now have until I die.

I’m not the only one in my circle of childless/free friends who’ve been either cut out of wills or given a tiny token gesture with the parent siblings taking the lion’s share.

I feel all the children should be treated equally. It seems assumed by some that if you don’t have kids then you don’t need money.

At the moment I will split my will between my 2 children equally.

however, should one come to me asking for money for school fees, house deposit or whatever I would try to give both similar amounts as that is fair at that time - I would not say this would be adjusted in the will. 200k now is very different to 200k in say 20 years.

If one child is providing care when I am older I shall transfer money to them when I am alive - paying for holidays, cars etc so the final amount will be shared equally.

I think that my childfree sister did. My adult children used to clean, cook and take my Mum (wheelchair user) out, as well as staying with her overnight when she felt vulnerable. My sister did nothing for her. My sister gas now made a will, my GC are beneficiaries. I think it's been done deliberately, to make a point. Yet she expects to be regularly hosted by my children and included in everything, stay at their houses etc. She in no way shape or form needed the inheritance.

We have had some kids in private some in state depending on need. I certainly haven't made it equal in terms of money. I would absolutely leave more to a child who maintains more of a relationship and whose kids we are closer to.

The only opinion that's relevant is the person whose money it is. I really don't understand why people think they can dictate how their family write their will. Seeking to unduly influence relatives is really awful and in some cases unlawful.

I think the children should inherit equally but out of the estate the grandchildren should also inherit and, depending upon the circumstances, possibly be financially better off than the children.

The thread is asking for people's opinions

In my family there are 3 siblings. One has no children (by choice), one has birth children and the other has step children. My parents will leaves everyone for split 3 ways between their children. They believe it’s the only fair way.

If I was your mum I would be cutting you out of the will. You sound selfish and entitled.

You shouldn't be getting involved with who she wants to leave her money to. There is nothing wrong with her wanting to leave money for her grandchildren.

It isn't your money though is it, so your opinion is pretty irrelevant.

They should be treated the same as they are loved equally.

There are some exceptions to the rule like SN but in general, equal is best.