Will question

[Anonymous]

Both my parents are dead. My younger sister now says that my mother promised to pay for her medical school and she wants to be paid from the estate, which while at one time large is now small. The will doesn’t mention this and she says it was a verbal agreement that was oft discussed with her and my mother. One sister is willing to pay it (but has other motivations to do so) and I’m hesitating because there is so little left that giving my share to cover it seems unfair. I don’t want to fight over money. But thoughts?

[Anonymous]

- Did you folks pass suddenly or relatively young?
- Did your folks pay for their other kids schooling or similar large investment?

If either of the above are true, seems plausible that your parents intended to give her the funds.

If not, it seems that it was a “possibility” more than a sure thing.

Q. What percentage of tuition would her third of the estate pay for?

[Anonymous]

It seems to me the estate will cover her medical school--as in she can use her share of the funds divided by the will however she wants.

If the other family members wish to contribute, that's their prerogative.

If there are extenuating circumstances that lead you to believe this was your parents' intention, you might reconsider. I'm sorry your parents died so young.

[Anonymous]

So do you have a kid too? Then what wouldn’t they be paid for as well? Or is this person the ONLY grandkid?

[Anonymous]

This appears to be her sibling, the child of the dead people, not the grandchild. Did you and your other sibling have your education covered by your parent? If so, I think it makes sense to give that same privilege to your younger sister. She shouldn’t miss out on that just because she died while her parents were young.

[Anonymous]

If there are three sisters, divide the estate by four and give the extra share to your sister for medical school. If she doesn’t see that as fair she is very greedy.

[Anonymous]

Odd that neither your sister or parents mentioned it earlier. Did they pay for everyone else/s education?

[Anonymous]

Nn one should fight over: something that is not in the legal will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If there are three sisters, divide the estate by four and give the extra share to your sister for medical school. If she doesn’t see that as fair she is very greedy.

Good compromise.

[Anonymous]

Has everything been fairly equal thus far?

What schooling did your parents pay for you and your other sister? Or maybe help with a down payment? Or wedding? Or 529 for your children?

What kind of money are we talking about?

[Anonymous]

Is she currently in medical school?

[Anonymous]

When did your parents pass? I guess I’m not clear on what you mean by “was large, but now isn’t?” Did they pass recently and the estate is now being split up? I don’t see how the executor can do anything other than split the funds according to the will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both my parents are dead. My younger sister now says that my mother promised to pay for her medical school and she wants to be paid from the estate, which while at one time large is now small. The will doesn’t mention this and she says it was a verbal agreement that was oft discussed with her and my mother. One sister is willing to pay it (but has other motivations to do so) and I’m hesitating because there is so little left that giving my share to cover it seems unfair. I don’t want to fight over money. But thoughts?

What are the “other motivations “ your other sister has?

[Anonymous]

Who is the executor of the estate?

If each of you are beneficiaries, then the younger sister could just take her share of the estate and use it to pay for med school. If it doesn't cover the entire cost of medical school, oh well. The other beneficiaries have no obligation to contribute their shares. You certainly could, but that's up to each beneficiary. Do what is best for you. I wouldn't give up my share especially if I had kids of my own.

[Anonymous]

We need more details, OP.
-Did your parents pay for all education for the rest of you?
-What is the other siblings motivation to pay?
-Did your parents pay for any 529 or tuition for your kids if you have any?
-Did they pay for any 529 or tuition for the medical school sibling, but now she wants to go back to school?
-Does this sibling tend to exaggerate or take advantage in other areas?

I think it's possible your mom said things that she WISHED she could do for your sibling, especially when she had more money. But perhaps circumstances changed and she no longer could, hence, it's not in the will.

Of the responses I've seen so far, the only one that makes sense is divide the estate by 4 as a compromise.