I do not blog often as my experiences in life have taught me to keep certain opinions to myself. Saying that, I feel compelled to write this blog in defense of the South Asian culture that I belong to.

Recently, I have seen advertisements in magazines related to Estate Law suggesting that South Asian women are being disproportionately disinherited (or receiving significantly reduced values) of their parent’s estates. While I acknowledge that this happens – this is not a phenomenon in the South Asian community alone.

I have seen, in my eyes, some cringe worthy video advertising that made me shake my head in almost disbelief.

I, for one, am not ok with the suggestion that our community is anti-women when it comes to distribution of estates.

I was raised by an amazing South Asian female. The managing partner of my office is a strong, independent and fierce South Asian woman. My sister is a beast within her vocation. One of my associates blows my mind with her abilities. She will be far greater than myself in this profession.

To see that this is not a phenomenon linked to South Asians alone, a quick google search on this area of discussion will yield results that range across all cultures.

I am a strong proponent for our culture and the advancements made by the generations that came before us. I do not feel it appropriate to allow a narrative that subverts, in my mind, the significant work done by our forefathers and mothers in getting us where we stand today.

I am not ok with people making money on a false narrative. It diminishes us. While I appreciate that marketing is part of any business – that marketing should always keep in mind what it does to us culturally.

I struggle with the idea of marketing in a general sense. I believe your reputation in what you do should be the largest factor in how you get business.

The Wills, Estates and Succession Act allows for a spouse or children to seek variation of a will if that will does not make adequate provisions for a spouse or children. This act is meant to ensure that a spouse or children will not be disinherited without adequate cause.

The above raises a question for me: What could be deemed adequate cause?

An example could be longstanding conflict or abuse. A parent may want to distance himself or herself from the child. Each case will depend on its own facts.

I am not an Estate Lawyer. If you feel you have been treated improperly within a will, call a lawyer that deals with these types of matters.