Why Fairness Trumps Equality In Sharing The Family Wealth
Question: When should wealth owners plan to leave unequal portions to their children?
Answer: Strange as it might seem, “almost always.”
Before dividing an estate, wealth owners need to get past the definitional ambiguity of “equal” and “unequal.” Most wealth holders define “equal” as a dollar-for-dollar split where each child gets the same amount. Yet another perspective might consider meeting needs equally, regardless of amounts. Research shows that about two-thirds of people choose dollar-for-dollar equality at death — but in our experience, most opt for equally meeting needs while they are alive.Read More