As an ethical vegan since the age of fourteen, the thought of leaving my estate to a butcher sickens me. I know that he is only providing what other people demand, and in that sense is probably not much different from anyone else who eats animals, and yet I find it revolting. It seems to me that it must take a particular callousness to do such a job, and I simply don't want my money going to someone who does it. But cutting him out completely and leaving everything to my niece also doesn't seem quite right. I would be very grateful for your thoughts.
A: If you’ve been a vegan since the age of fourteen, there’s a good chance you’ll live forever! But to be on the safe side, it’s wise to get your affairs in order. You have every right to determine who should inherit your estate without being influenced by conventional practices. If you aren’t comfortable bequeathing money, property, or other tangible items to your nephew because of his chosen occupation, so be it. You aren’t obligated to do so simply because he is family, and the bottom line is, you won’t be around afterward to witness the consequences of how you disburse your estate. If you can live with that decision, then your niece and nephew will have to learn to live with it as well, after you’re gone. There are many worthy vegan and animal rights organizations that could desperately use financial aid, and endowing part of your assets to them would no doubt be deeply appreciated. How you divide your estate, however, and whether you choose to bequeath all, part, or none of it to one, both, or neither relative is something only you can decide. Ultimately, you should do what gives you peace while you’re here on this earth so that you will have no end-of-life regrets. Comments are closed.
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Jo StepaniakJo Stepaniak, MSEd, is the author of numerous books on vegan cuisine and compassionate living. Since 1996, she has answered hundreds of questions about vegan ethics and living online and in print.
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