The story happened after my next-door neighbor, an elderly couple who were both over 70 years old, passed away from illnesses a few years ago. They did not leave behind much cash, only a 500-square-meter plot of land.
They had five children, including two sons. In our village’s tradition, sons usually inherit parents’ estate, while daughters marry and live with their husbands’ families, so they are often excluded from inheritance matters. Since the couple did not leave a will, dividing the land became complicated.
Soon after the parents passed, the two sons gathered the entire extended family to discuss the matter. At the time, land prices were soaring, so everyone wanted to sell the plot for a hefty profit.
The siblings’ relatives decided that the oldest son would receive the larger share, measuring 300 square meters, since he was expected to take care of family ceremonies and ancestral rites. However, the younger son refused to accept the smaller remaining share.
He believed all children should be treated equally and could not accept that his brother would get 100 square meters more, a gap worth billions of dong. He even said he was willing to take over traditional duties if it meant getting a bigger share.
The older brother refused to give in and the argument escalated into a shouting match and, eventually, a brawl. The younger brother, being stronger, used a stick to beat his sibling and broke his arm. When his sister-in-law tried to stop him, he attacked her too, leaving her with bruises.
Months later, after many talks with relatives and his sisters, the eldest sibling relented and the land was split evenly between the two brothers. But the damage was done, they cut all ties and no longer speak to each other.
Since then, each brother has hosted their own death ceremonies for their parents instead of gathering the family together as tradition dictates. Money can truly break even the strongest family bonds.
Nowadays, many families face the same kind of problems—siblings arguing and becoming enemies over money, land, or unclear inheritance. That is why older people need to write a clear will while they are still healthy. This way, the inheritance is settled fairly and logically.
Of course, how to divide things is up to each person. Some children are respectful, while others are not. It is natural for parents to give more to certain children. But if they make a clear will and let everyone know in advance, it can help avoid arguments later.
In my own family, although we do not have much land, our parents have already written a will. They have clearly listed how much land each child will get, even though they are still healthy and not yet 70.
My father said: “It is all written and legally certified. If anything happens to us, just follow the will.” I think this is a wise decision because it means my siblings and I will not have to argue over how to handle their assets.
*The opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
