07/01/2026
This piece explains how well-intentioned parents often try to be “fair” in estate planning by treating children equally, but equal treatment can sometimes create conflict or harmful outcomes when children have different circumstances.
As a former estate planning attorney, one of the most common estate planning mistakes I saw is well-intentioned parents wanting to be "fair" or "equal" to their children above all else. They often would see this as a way to avoid conflict, and make decisions that appear balanced.