“More than equitable, donations or legacies must be fair”

Is an equal distribution of goods not enough?

Republican equality is a beautiful thing. But we must go further, by evaluating the fairness in the donation, because not all children have the same opportunities or difficulties. And further still, it is justice in the gift that must be aimed for, and ultimately justice for all. Because in the end, we always transmit more than goods.

What do you mean ?

In fact, we also transmit our way of being in life. Thus, those who have benefited from a donation often do the same afterwards. And conversely, when someone has had difficulty letting go of something, their descendants often experience the same difficulty. Remember that you are never obliged to make a donation. If you do so, it must not create an arm’s length relationship. I find this resonates with the Gospel, which says that when the right hand gives, the left hand should not know.

What questions should we ask ourselves?

If you are considering a donation, ask yourself if it is right for your spouse, then for your family, and finally for the professional stage you are in. If you have secured your back for years to come, it makes sense to give. Otherwise, you risk putting an unexpected burden on the beneficiary: for example, having to take care of yourself financially once you become elderly. Also ask yourself if your assets are useful or futile. It is useful if it is fertile because it supports family life or provides you with additional income. But it can also prove futile if it does neither. In this case, why not part with it so that it can be used by others?

Is the same true for legacies?

Bequests are most often made by people without children. By bequeathing your property to a public utility association, for example, you avoid taxation, which is often significant in an ordinary inheritance. A well-prepared legacy thus brings inner peace.

So can a notary be a peacemaker?

Yes, if he is truly at the service of the people he advises. As a permanent deacon, I combine this with what I experience during a celebration when I invite the faithful to give themselves the peace of Christ. In return, in my job, I encourage donors or people considering a legacy to anticipate the handover. Preparing a file to open after our death saves our loved ones from unnecessary trauma. You will gather the essential administrative documents, your bank details and even the access code to your computer if necessary.

I also suggest attaching a personal love letter for each member of the first family circle. A text where we can say the “I love you” that we sometimes neglected during our lifetime. There, we manage much more than a technical succession: it is mourning that is accompanied with kindness. An essential difference.

A transmission can also go wrong…

Conflict in itself is not a problem if it is a sign that everyone freely expresses their feelings. But what do we do with these impulsive reactions? What do they portend? With pride and arrogance, it turns into misfortune; with love and respect, we then create happiness. It all depends on our inner disposition.