Political differences impact bequest

DearAmy: My 75-year-old father told me that he has decided that his stepson (my stepbrother) will no longer receive anything in his will. Why?

Well, my stepbrother has challengedmy father’s political opinions a few times while talking to him on the phone. I’ve heard both sides of these stories, and while my stepbrother never yelled or made personal attacks againstmy father. My father is not speaking to him.

Mystepmotherdiedmany years ago, and it seems my father is not considering any wishes shewould have had.

I am diametrically opposed to the political opinions of my father. Dad never holds back his opinions; you get them, regardless. Unlike my stepbrother, however, I do not challenge him.

I think my father’s decision is ridiculous, but I do not know what I should do about it.— Flummoxed

Dear Flummoxed: I don’t think you should notify your stepbrother about your father’s plans, which may change.

I do think you should advocate for your stepbrother, reflecting your own compassionate opinion that his mother would have wanted him to be treated fairly.

I also think you should be brave enough to judiciously tell your father that you also disagree with his political views, but you have been keeping quiet because he seems to link his own happiness and relationships to a person’s political views: “Dad, I don’t always agree with your politics, but I still love and respect you. It makes me sad that you don’t seem able to do the same.”

I applaud your advocacy on your stepbrother’s behalf. You can’t force your father to the table, and you can’t force him to leave money to your stepbrother (or you) in his will, but when that time comes, you could choose to address the inequity by sharing your inheritance with him.