Money Moral Dilemma: Should I leave different amounts to my grandchildren in my will?

MalMonroe

I would never leave different amounts. Equal all the way. 

And if I 'didn't like' any of my grandchildren as one of the comments here says, then I'd feel that I'd done a really rubbish job as a parent. How anyone can dislike their own grandchildren is beyond my ken. And I'm not even Scottish.

kuepper

You shouldn't be leaving them anything unless you've discussed this with their parents first, I think your children might be hurt otherwise. Then make your mind up

LP53

I would leave equal amounts to both as my family have plenty of money but I had to leave home at 16 due to a trauma and was cut off . I have struggled financially ever since and would have been nice to know my grandparents cared when my parents didn’t. You really can’t predict the future.

EmmaBadgeParry

Give it to them whilst you are alive, it might mean more to them and you will know where it has gone. 

Leave a nominal amount if you want.  

I personally want my father to spend the lot on himself, he earned it, he should enjoy it. 

Spendless

Whats the wealth of the grand children's parents got to do with it? 
The 'rich' parents could lose their money, live to a ripe old age, need to use their wealth for care costs. 
The 'poor parent's could have a change of circa that make them better off. 
Treat the grandchildren the same in your will. 

astroL

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I'm making a will, and I am considering leaving one pair of my grandchildren more than the other pair because their parents have different levels of wealth. But my head tells me one thing and my heart another - what should I do?

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This sort of question makes me shiver to think that someone feels a need to ask it.  Do you not love them equally? Parental differential incomes are surely irrelevant?  Answer your own question .....

Lawrence

honestcove

Split on whatever criteria you think is reasonable. 

Then before you die explain your decision and reasoning to those that are affected and are of an age to understand.

Winelover399

I think this is a really tough question and there is no single right answer. I have three children, and each of them has a different number of children (and more may arrive). What I decided was that my estate would be split equally between my three children (and each can decide when the time comes whether to do a deed of variation to pass some or all to their own children immediately to save inheritance tax).
BUT I have left a specific (modest and equal) amount to each grandchild so, if they want to, they can buy something which might remind them of me, with each of these amounts reducing, ie effectively coming out of their parent's share, so the division of the estate between each of my children remains equal.
It's a slightly complicated route but seems fair to me, and to my children.
I also felt it was important to tell each of my children about the will and give each of them a copy of it. (If you would have any hesitation in doing this, I suggest that would mean that deep down you feel that your decision is unfair!)
Good luck in reaching your own decision!

Ninka59

I don't have children but my sister does. My Moms will states that everything is split between us two. For me that's the fairest way. My Mom thinks its unfair to split it any other way too. If my sister then wants to give money to her children then that's her decision. Maybe leave grandchildren something else valuable like jewellery. 

Ianm5648

Give it equally.