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A father was in a dilemma regarding dividing his assets among his children from different marriages. Although he tried to be fair, his wife argued that their mutual children should receive a larger portion due to his ex-wife’s financial stability.
Children From Two Different Families
The original poster (OP), whom we’ll refer to as Jack, has two boys from a previous marriage and a boy and girl with his current wife.
His two older sons live with his ex-wife.
Dividing Assets
As a responsible father, Jack plans to divide his assets among his four children.
However, Jack’s wife, Kelly, feels that their mutual kids should receive a higher percentage of his assets because his ex-wife is better off financially.
Balance Between Equality and Fairness
Jack and Kelly aren’t poor, but they’re not at the financial level of Jack’s ex-wife.
On the bright side, Jack isn’t required to pay child support because of his ex-wife’s earnings.
A Single Mother Thrives
Although Jack is grateful for his ex-wife’s ability to financially and emotionally support his children, he feels guilty.
On the other hand, Jack’s wife is a stay-at-home mom, so Jack is the breadwinner.
Navigating Complex Family Dynamics
Most of Jack’s money is under his name, and he’s arranged for his share to be distributed evenly among all four of his children.
However, here’s where things begin to take a turn for the worse.
Inheritance Dilemmas
Kelly became upset when she found out that Jack was going to split his assets evenly among his four children.
She felt it was unfair because it meant her household labor would benefit Jack’s ex-wife. Jack disagreed.
Needs of Children From Different Relationships
After all, Kelly is a stay-at-home mom. And while being a stay-at-home mom takes effort, Kelly still benefits from not having to work a regular job.
Plus, Jack’s ex-wife wouldn’t receive any money—it would just be for his sons.
Challenges of Providing for All
Jack was left with mixed feelings after trying to do the right thing.
His wife also said that he shouldn’t leave his older sons anything because his late mother gifted them emotional heirlooms.
Treating Children With Equal Love
“Your children are all equally yours, different mothers or not, so you’re right to want to treat them equally,” one reader wrote.
Unequal Beliefs
“Doing the right thing except for marrying a woman who encourages OP to leave his first two biological kids NOTHING when he passes away, with her two kids with him, receiving their share instead,” another commented.
Punished for Good Decisions
“So she wants to short change your other kids because your ex made good financial decisions?” another reader asked.
Honoring Relationships
Jack mentioned that he feels guilty because his ex-wife has done so much for their mutual sons; he doesn’t provide child support and isn’t actively involved in his sons’ lives.
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