In a remarkable legal decision that underscores the importance of compassion and human connection, a court in Shanghai has ruled in favor of a market stall owner, surnamed Liu, inheriting the entire estate of an elderly man he had cared for. The estate, including a property valued at 3.3 million yuan (US$460,000), was bequeathed to Liu by the deceased, an octogenarian surnamed Ma, as a gesture of gratitude for the support and care Liu and his family provided during Ma’s final years.
The unique bond between Ma and Liu began over casual conversations at Liu’s fruit stall near Ma’s residence. Their relationship deepened following the sudden death of Ma’s only child, a son with mental illness. Liu stepped in to manage the funeral arrangements, a task neglected by Ma’s relatives. This act of kindness marked the beginning of a close and supportive relationship between the two men.
Recognizing Liu’s genuine care, Ma invited Liu, his wife, and their three children, who lived in modest conditions, to move into his home. This arrangement created a “special family,” offering companionship and support to Ma in his later years. When Ma passed away on December 31, 2021, his three sisters, who also lived in the house, contested the will. They argued that the 2020 agreement between Ma and Liu, which stipulated that Liu would inherit Ma’s property upon his death in exchange for lifelong care, was invalid. They claimed Ma suffered from mental illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, and lacked the capacity to sign such an agreement.
However, the notary officials who witnessed the will’s signing refuted these claims, affirming Ma’s mental soundness at the time. In a verdict delivered by the Baoshan District People’s Court, the judges upheld the agreement’s validity, ordering the transfer of Ma’s house and financial assets to Liu.
The court’s decision has sparked a significant online response, with over 100,000 comments and interactions. Many netizens have praised the judgment as “fair and reasonable,” lauding the recognition of Liu’s good deeds. Others highlighted the mutual benefits of the arrangement, with Liu providing care and companionship to Ma, who, in turn, ensured Liu’s family’s future security.
This case stands out as a poignant example of how legal decisions can reflect and honor the deeply human values of kindness, compassion, and loyalty.
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