How to draft a will with specific allocations to heirs? 

When preparing a holographic will with specific allocations to heirs, it’s crucial to navigate the legal framework ensuring fairness to children and spouses, recognized as legitimate heirs. A reader seeks guidance on dividing their estate between two children without creating joint ownership. This approach, termed “institution of heir by specific title,” is legally permissible under […]

Can parents and children negotiate inheritance terms?

This question often arises when families consider dividing assets between siblings while their parents are still alive. For instance, a reader, a father of two, owns a city apartment, while his wife owns a seaside villa. The couple, along with their children, wish to arrange their estates: one child would inherit the city apartment, and […]

What rights do relatives excluded from a will have?

Have you ever wondered who can contest a will? Can it be challenged by those who have been excluded? Let’s delve into the rights of relatives not included in a will. To understand this issue, it’s crucial to start with an important premise regarding inheritance.The distinction between statutory heirs and forced heirsIn the absence of […]

Married Without Children: Can They Make a Will Solely for Nephews and Nieces?

Married individuals without children may wonder if they can leave their entire estate to the children of their siblings. Through a will, individuals can dictate how their assets will be distributed after their death. This legal document allows them to choose who will inherit a portion of their estate, within the limits set by the […]

What to Do if a Child Refuses to Stay with a Parent?

When minor children of separated parents refuse to visit one of them, it raises complex legal and emotional issues. Court orders typically establish custody arrangements, often favoring joint custody to ensure children maintain relationships with both parents. Despite these arrangements, children may refuse visits with the non-residential parent due to emotional strain from the separation […]