Iam an 80-year-old man who is recently retired and in relatively good health. My wife is about the same. We recently received a request from our son, who is 50, for his share of the inheritance now rather than later. It came as a shock. He is selling his company, which is valued at $7 million to $8 million. He tells me he is cash poor, which affects the leverage of his sale.

While we have the money, we would have to empty our savings and cash in some investments. We are not destitute by any means and can probably manage this, but I’m wondering if I should be offended by the question of an advance inheritance. I’ve never dealt with this before and wonder if you have any thoughts about the propriety. Should I involve my other children? It affects them, too.

—Taken Aback in Texas

Dear Take

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