The Elderly Man's Struggle

An elderly man from northern Nam Dinh province divided his 500-square-meter plot of land equally between his sons, choosing to live with each in turn to avoid burdening either. However, this decision led to a series of tragedies. He was asked to contribute to household expenses, including groceries and electricity, despite the financial strain and emotional toll it took on him. The constant tension and veiled remarks by his son and daughter-in-law left him anxious and feeling like a burden.

One summer, when the elder son's family went on vacation, he moved to his younger son's house, sparking an argument and a quarrel between the two sons. The public fallout left him too embarrassed to step outside for an entire month. He now regrets dividing his assets early, as he has nothing left and his children see him as a burden.

The Lawyer's Perspective

Diep Nang Binh, chief of Tinh Thong Law Office, advises against transferring assets to heirs early, as it can cause complications. Once assets go to children, some parents find themselves viewed as dependents in the very home they spent a lifetime building. In some cases, parents are even thrown out or abused.

The Economist's Advice

Associate Professor Do Minh Cuong suggests that parents should preserve a portion of their assets to ensure financial independence in their later years and prepare for mishaps. Financial support should only be provided to children after parents earmark adequate emergency funds for themselves. "Ensuring they are not a financial burden on their children in their old age is itself a responsibility of parents," Cuong adds.