Grateful to Have Something to Leave and Grateful to Receive

In all my years of practicing in the probate and estate planning area, I’ve seen a lot of questionable human behavior. Sometimes some people feel entitled to an inheritance just by virtue of being part of a family.  That is a little more usual in circumstances where the family has a history of generational wealth and there are plans to secure that wealth down the line. There is no judgment on the expectation.  If that has been your family history, it is logical you would expect it.

On the other side of the spectrum, some families do not have generational wealth. 

Perhaps this is the first time anyone has been in the position even to have something to leave for anyone. If that is the case, there is much to be grateful about.  In many cases, it has taken generations to just own a house and get beyond bare survival. It is then, a generational leap to come to the place where you live your life, and at the end of your life, you have things left to leave for others.

For those on the receiving end, this leap is worthy of consideration. What had to happen in your family—maybe a working-class family—for something to be left?  Even if it is not a huge sum, there is much to be grateful for. Often people live and then die leaving not a penny behind.  Whoever you inherit from and whatever the amount, gratitude is an attitude worthy of consideration. So as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s consider how we can be grateful when someone leaves anything for us at the end of their life!

Olivia S. Benson is a probate attorney based in Miami and serving the state of Florida. For questions about estate planning, wills and trusts, and inheritance, call the Offices of Olivia S. Benson for a free 15-minute consultation: 786-245-7746