27-1-2024 (BEIJING) An elderly woman residing in Shanghai has made the unconventional choice of bequeathing her substantial fortune of 20 million yuan (S$3.7 million) exclusively to her cherished cats and dogs, while deliberately excluding her adult children from inheriting any part of her wealth.
Identified only as Liu, she initially drafted her will to include provisions for her three children, which encompassed both monetary assets and property. However, Liu revised her decision when she fell ill and her children failed to visit, contact, or attend to her during her time of need.
Liu conveyed that her pets had been her sole companions throughout her elderly years, prompting her to redirect her wealth towards their well-being and that of their future generations, as reported by the South China Morning Post. However, it is important to note that in China, it is not legally permissible to leave money directly to pets.
As a solution, Liu designated a local veterinary clinic as the custodian of her inheritance, tasking them with the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of her beloved furry companions.
Officials from the China Will Registration Centre cautioned Liu about the potential risks associated with appointing a veterinary clinic as the administrator of her inheritance. They advised her to nominate a trusted individual to supervise the clinic and manage the funds on behalf of her pets.
Chen Kai, an official from the Will Registration Centre headquarters in Beijing, commented, “We advised Auntie Liu that should her children alter their attitude towards her, she retains the option to amend her will accordingly.”
Liu’s unconventional decision has sparked a spirited online debate in China concerning family dynamics and inheritance. While some applaud her for taking a stand against her children’s neglect, others express sentiments of disappointment and sadness regarding her choice.
