Why I use my will as a weapon to keep my family in line. If they offend me, they're out - and I've already videoed the contents of my parents' house in case my sister liberates anything when they die By Emma Parsons-reid Published: 02:06, 23 May 2024 | Updated: 02:14, 23 May 2024 e-mail View comments Whenever I hear the word 'will', I'm afraid I don’t feel a sentimental pull for a departed loved one. Rather, I see pound signs and want to know what I'm getting out of it.
My husband Kevin calls me mercenary. But I know from bitter experience how vital a clear will is. That's why I tweak my own on an almost monthly basis.
In theory, I’m leaving almost everything to my daughter, Hannah, who’s 33, with small bequests for my five granddaughters. But mercurial should be my middle name, because I am known to refine the details after every family spat or fallout. (My older sister has been written out entirely.
I was going to leave her some jewellery but we’re currently not on speaking terms.) To me, a will is an insurance policy to ensure I get decent geriatric care from my daughter and grandchildren, and it gives me a lot of power to wield over my loved ones. To Emma a will is an insurance policy to ensure she gets good geriatric care from her children That’s why I’m stunned that TV presenter Anne Robinson says she has already given away all her money to her daughter and grandchildren, insisting ‘they may as well enjoy it now’.
Where’s the leverage in that? At 57, I.