Especially when its a cherished elder who left something for your children.
Her ex-husbands girlfriend, however, began pressing her to borrow some of the jewelry, creating unexpected friction.
Keep reading to find out how thisfamily heirloomsparked a surprising debate over rightful ownership.
And dont forget to check out our interview with Ankur Jain, an estate lawyer from India.
To prevent this, its important to keep inherited items separate and clearly document their status aspersonal property.
For valuable items meant for children, secure storage is essential.
I often advise people to keep a log of whats stored, even including photos, he says.
That way, theres a documented record, so everyone knows whats intended for whom and where its kept.
This helps ensure that what each person receives is documented and protected, reducing the likelihood of disputes.
Each one had a different vision for it, and it became a bitter fight.
Jain also points out that each family is unique, so there isnt a one-size-fits-all approach.
My best advice is to keep things simple and be direct.
If youre passing down something valuable or sentimental, let people know ahead of time.
Set expectations, document your wishes, and revisit your plans if circumstances change.
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