I am male and 35 and my father is 68 years old. My father's brother is an attorney. I don't get along with him (my uncle) very well and I dont trust him when it comes down to it. He and my father are extremely close though. It concerns me a bit that my uncle will surely handle my father's estate when he dies and I think to myself if my uncle decides to manipulated the will somehow around the time of my fathers death how the heck would I ever know? So with that in mind I recently asked my father if he had a will and could i see it? His response was to get very upset and tell me that his will "is none of my business" ? I'm thinking ... I'm his eldest son (only son) historically who else's business would it be? So my question is does this seem 'fishy' to anyone else and also in general do father's normally let their son's see their will prior to dying. [if not, it seems to me we (society in general) place alot of trust in estate lawyers, especially when that lawyer is a relative]
2006-09-21 11:26:09 · 7 answers · asked by buckbucknumber2000 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Okay, look at it from your father's point of view: his only son just asked to see his will. 1.) He's thinking you can't even wait for him to kick off and 2.) he's thinking you're one greedy little bastard. I'd have been pissed at you too! That was extremely insensitive of you.
It's his money and he can do with it what he wants. If what he does with it is not in your best interests, oh well! It's not up to you and there's nothing that you can do about it so just get over it. Why don't you just make nice with your uncle and maybe he'll be nice to you? And given the number of suspect lawyers out there, it is no wonder that people take stock in what relatives who are attorneys say. They've got a 50/50 chance of their relatives tryng to pull one over on them as opposed to an 80/20 shot.
2006-09-21 11:37:31 · answer #1 · answered by elk312 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aside from the justified moral objections that the commenters here have left (they're right, it's none of your d#mned business. Stop insulting your father and have some respect) there is also nothing you can legally do until your father dies. If, at that time, you feel that the will was executed under duress or under other questionable circumstances, then you can contest it. Until then, you're out of luck.
Furthermore, despite the close personal relationship between your father and his lawyer-brother, attorneys are presumed to be acting in good faith and in the best interests of their clients. I have represented family members in the past. While it does present an emotional wrinkle not usually present otherwise, it certainly does not mean that the representation is flawed or unfairly biased.
Sorry, pal, you're out of luck until your father dies. I suggest kissing his #ss rather than insulting him the way you did.
2006-09-21 11:48:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No I don't think its fishy that your dad wants to keep his will secret. The way you went about your goal would have bothered me. I think you should approach your dad again and explain that you are concerned about the handling of matters should he pass before you. I think most people would assume you wanted to know about the amount you would be receiving, that's the rub. If your dad says not to worry ask him if your uncle is the person he's left in charge. If your dad affirms your guess you can tell him you are uncomfortable with his choice and ask if he might consider another attorney. You haven't mentioned if your mother is "in this picture." Final note-- I've been writing estate plans for over 20 years ( not my main area) and very few people disclose the wills or trusts to family members. Two groups seem to do so more than the rest of the population. First, the very wealthy and second, the very sick.
2006-09-21 11:44:58 · answer #3 · answered by fiftycentsthisyear 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
One of the things we don't understand about your and my fathers generation is privacy. Older people tend to be a LOT more private about things then we are. He is feeling defensive about your request to see his will. He probably doesn't want to deal with the questions of why is she getting this and I'm getting that? Or the "but I wanted that!" I started the "will" conversation by saying I don't want to know who's getting what I just want to make sure you have all your affairs taken care of and would like to know where there is a copy of your will so when the time comes I will know what YOU want. I tried to make this about what would be best for them not me. As far as your uncle goes if your dad made a will in a sane state of mind your uncle cannot legally change anything without your fathers permission and signature if your worried about that. Please remember you can always fight about it but is it really worth it?
2006-09-21 11:40:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
At this point, it actually is not your business. On the other hand, I do not think a relative should be handling your father's will/estate. Whether you get along with that relative or not. Best of luck.
2006-09-21 11:35:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You cannot claim anything in the self acquired property of your father until and unless you are the beneficiary of the "will" . If your father died intestate, you will get your share along with other legal heirs in proportionate manner.
2006-09-22 20:18:00 · answer #6 · answered by Seagull 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's his money, he can do what he wants. Why are you already counting the guys stuff and he is still alive. You sound like a leech.
2006-09-21 11:34:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋