Leave Children Equal Inheritances

Jane Bryant Quinn in her AARP column:

Are you planning to leave one of your adult children less (or more) money in your will? Bad idea, was the consensus of 49 financial planners who offered me their thoughts on this delicate and emotional issue.

If leaving unequal amounts to the children seems unavoidable, Quinn advises, the parent should at least explain the reasons. If the disparity comes as a surprise when the will is read, what seemed fair to the will maker almost certainly won't be seen that way by the disfavored child.