An elderly woman from China, named Liu, has decided to leave her substantial fortune of 20 million yuan (approx Rs 23 crore) to her cherished cats and dogs, completely omitting her adult children from her inheritance. This decision, detailed in her updated will, follows years of purported neglect and a lack of care during her periods of illness.
According to reports from Zonglan News, Liu had initially drawn up a will that included provisions for her three children to inherit both money and property. However, a shift in her sentiments, triggered by her children’s apparent apathy and infrequent communication, has led her to redirect her wealth towards the faithful companions who provided solace during her moments of vulnerability.
According to a report by Zonglan News, Liu expressed that her only companions during challenging times are her pet cats and dogs.
The revised will specify that the entire fortune should be allocated to the well-being and care of Liu’s pets, with provisions extending to any offspring the animals may have after her passing. The responsibility of overseeing this unconventional inheritance has been entrusted to a local veterinary clinic, acting as the administrator for the substantial sum.
However, it has been noted that directly bequeathing such wealth to animals is not legally permissible in China. Chen Kai, an official from the country’s Will Registration Centre headquarters in Beijing, clarified this, suggesting alternatives for addressing the issue, as per South China Morning Post.
“Liu’s current will is one way, and we would have advised her to appoint a person she trusts to supervise the vet clinic to ensure the pets are properly cared for,” Chen stated.
Officials from the China Will Registration Centre had reportedly cautioned Liu about the potential risks associated with entrusting her entire fortune to a pet clinic. They suggested that, if her children were to change their behaviour towards her, she could reconsider and amend her will accordingly.
The story has sparked a lively online discussion about inheritance and family dynamics, with many expressing sympathy for Liu’s decision, reported SCMP. One observer was quoted by the news outlet saying, “How disappointed and heartbroken she must have been to make the decision not to leave anything to her children,” while another remarked, “Well done. If my daughter treats me poorly in the future, I will also leave my house to others.”
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