Li's decision has ignited discussions about family ties and personal autonomy. His assets, primarily gifts from his grandparents, include an apartment and savings. The teenager's choice stems from a growing distance from his parents following their divorce and subsequent remarriages.
Li explained that his childhood best friend became his primary support during this period. As he frequently participates in extreme sports like rock climbing and outdoor exploration, Li decided to draft a will as a precautionary measure. Under China's Civil Code, if he were to pass away, his parents would inherit his entire estate. This money could then become shared property with their new spouses. "I do not want strangers to inherit my assets," Li stated.
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Illustration: SCMP |
To formalize his wishes, Li visited the Jingan district office of the China Will Registration Center in Shanghai. Chinese law permits citizens aged 18 and older, who possess full civil capacity, to independently decide on asset distribution without requiring family consent. Huang Haibo, manager of the Shanghai office, clarified that the designated heir must submit a written acceptance within 60 days of being informed; silence is legally considered a refusal of the inheritance.
Chinese law also mandates that a portion of an estate be allocated to parents if they are unable to work and have no income. However, this regulation does not apply to Li, as his parents have stable financial conditions. Li retains the right to amend or revoke the will if his family relationships improve or if he marries.
Li's choice sparked extensive debate on social media. Some commentators suggested that at 19, he is too young to make such a significant financial decision. Many also argued that since the assets originated from his family, not leaving them to his parents goes against traditional filial piety. Conversely, many others asserted that the right to dispose of personal assets should be respected, emphasizing that money cannot replace emotional bonds.
The trend of young people actively drafting wills is growing across China. The China Will Registration Center has received over 400,000 wills. A report from the center indicates that the average age of testators has decreased from 77 to 67. The number of individuals born after 1980, 1990, and 2000 using the service is increasing. Specifically, the under-30 age group has seen a rise of over 40% since 2024.
Chen, a notary public in Zhejiang province, observed that more young single or newly married individuals are drafting wills to protect pre-marital real estate. "They proactively use legal instruments to secure their property rights," he noted.
Ngoc Ngan (According to Ningbo Evening News, SCMP, Sina News)
