When Unequal Bequests Are the Right Thing to Do

Q I am an elderly widow, and my three grown children live nearby. My older son and daughter and their families, although cordial, don't take much interest in me or my need for help with many tasks around the home. The third, my younger daughter, has always been very attentive, with no prompting, as have her husband and kids. I would like to show my appreciation to her family by leaving them a larger bequest than her siblings. Would this be okay?

AYes. On a practical level, your younger daughter's help may be saving you a lot of money in professional services, even though her primary motivation is her love for you. It would be reasonable to recognize this with a somewhat larger bequest.

But make sure you explain it in your will as an expression of gratitude. You don't owe any of your children an inheritance, but be aware that showing favoritism might cause long-lasting sibling resentment. That's why many estate planners suggest equal distributions.