Grandfather gets a new wife and a new will
Dear Amy: My grandfather is well-off. He saved and spent very little throughout his life. For many years, he has promised my mother and me that we would receive a sizable inheritance. My grandmother died several years ago, and we are the only close family members he has left.
A few months ago, my grandfather began seeing a younger woman. My mom and I were supportive. They married just a few weeks ago and seem very happy together. However, my grandfather recently called Mom and me and informed us that we were no longer his heirs. He's decided to leave everything to his new wife!
Amy, I don't feel entitled to his money. I don't care if I get the money or not. I am more worried about my mother. She lives on a very meager income, and I know she was counting on the inheritance from her father so she could think about retiring herself. Now, she is depressed and thinks she will have to work herself to death.
I'm not in a much better situation myself, and I do not have the means to help Mom on my own. Meanwhile, my grandfather and his new wife are constantly sending us pictures of their luxurious vacations. They also recently bought themselves a second home.
To be clear, I do not believe my grandfather's new wife is a gold-digger. She seems to genuinely love him and, being a member of a well-off family herself, she doesn't need his money. This seems to be purely my grandfather's decision.
Would it be out of line to approach my grandfather to ask him to consider reinstating Mom as an heir? I don't care what he does with me, but this has really upset her.
-- Concerned Daughter
Dear Concerned: Your grandfather might have made this decision as a way to show his wife just after marriage how much he loves her and that he is proud to declare her as his next of kin. (They also might have a pre-nup.)
His motivation might have been more emotional than practical (or punitive).
Yes, I do think you should speak to him about it.
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