A concerned mother writes to Dear Abby about her 32-year-old son's alcohol problem and her dilemma over leaving him an inheritance. The son, who has not worked in over a year and is supported by his wife, refuses to acknowledge his addiction and continues social drinking despite multiple failed attempts at sobriety. The mother, who has tried Al-Anon without success, worries that her hard-earned assets could enable his drinking or even lead to his death.
Dear Abby's Response
Dear Abby advises the mother to consult the attorney who helped draft her estate plan. Options may include cutting the son out of the will entirely or establishing a trust to protect the assets. The advice emphasizes that many parents of addicts face similar dilemmas and that professional legal guidance is essential.
Additional Advice: Age Difference in Relationships
In a second letter, a 76-year-old divorcee asks about her relationship with a 60-year-old man going through a divorce. Despite friends' concerns about the age gap, Dear Abby advises her to live her life and not let others' opinions affect her happiness.
