Distribution of Property Guidelines
An adaptation of the form below may be included in your will.
DISTRIBUTION of PROPERTY GUIDELINES
In addition to the designation of the property we have already specified in our will, it is our desire that the remainder of our possessions be distributed equally amongst our six children.
When our children come together for this purpose, these guidelines should be read and adhered to. This meeting is to be amongst our children only. Their spouses, mates, children, or grandchildren are not to be included in this process.
“… make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” The Bible – Philippians 2:1-4
1. Items shall be sorted into categories. For example, some categories might be named: pictures, dishware, jewelry, electronics (to include TVs, DVD player, etc.), appliances, photographs, linens, etc.
2. Distribution shall be made in rounds numbered according to the number of heirs and according to the birth order of children, each taking turns as having a first choice or pick. (For example, if there are six children named Frank, Christine, Kathryn, Larry, John and Barbara, there will be six rounds starting with the oldest: Round 1 will start with Frank (the oldest) having the first pick, and end with Barbara (the youngest) having the last pick. When it comes to Round 2, Christine will have first pick and Frank will be last. Round 3 will start with Kathryn and end with Christine, Round 4 will start with Larry and end with Kathryn, Round 5 starts with John and ends with Larry, and Round 6 starts with Barbara and ends with John. Then the process starts all over again with Frank having first pick. This way each person will have an opportunity to pick first.
3. Each person must make a choice in every round. They may not skip their turn in a round. Major items shall be distributed first, and then by category as specified. This is in order to fulfill our desire that our possessions be distributed equally.
4. If you gave us a specific item as a gift, that item returns to you and is not counted as one of your choices. It is in addition to your choices.
5. If a situation arises that is not covered in the above ground rules, you should stop and discuss it, and come to a decision where all parties are in agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and seal at (city) , (state) this (day) of (year) .
(Signature)
(Signature)
We, the undersigned, understand and agree to abide by the terms as specified by our parents.
(Signatures of Heirs)
(Date)