Inheritance Blues

Here is a story about a family feud over inheritance. Be forewarned, the lawyers will win.

EIGHTY-one-year-old Alma died four years ago happy with her will. The major share was to go to her son, with a lesser amount for two daughters from her first marriage.

But after a lengthy legal dispute among her children, lawyers are the biggest beneficiaries from the estate. . The widow of a dairy farmer left the main share of her $3 million in assets to her son, Grant. Her two daughters inherited furniture, jewelry and a small amount of cash each.

Unhappy with their inheritance, Helen and Barbara, went to court. They succeeded in getting an extra $360,000 from the estate. But the sisters spent $450,000 in legal fees to get $360,000.