In which I have no part except curiosity and the fact that the will writer told me of his intentions.
Elderly man, widowed for almost 20 years. 3 children, multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a very strict father and one of his daughters, particularly considers their family relationships to be toxic and has told him so.
He would like to write her out of the will, but he promised his wife he'd treat them all equally.
So his solution is to split the estate into 6. 1 sixth for each of the children and the remainder (half) to a neighbour who has helped him out with DIY etc in his old age. Neighbours are fairly elderly themselves, but 20 years younger than him (he's 95), so effectively this money is being left to their children.
His money, his choice etc but he hasn't told his DC this is what he plans to do. Of course they are all older now too but the children and grandchildren aren't.
Is his plan OK or just a bit cruel and also, possibly with the neighbour's involvement, a bit crooked?
I don't know what the estate is worth, but the house alone must be £800k. Of course he may need care and spend some of it, but he's currently living independently, with help from a cleaner, the neighbours and his children, including the unfavoured one.
I don't expect anything from my parents, I hope they spend the lot, but I'd be hurt to think they'd taken steps to avoid me having it. For this family though, even the reduced amount will be a substantial sum to inherit.