In a heartwarming case of gratitude and loyalty transcending blood ties, a Shanghai court has ruled in favor of a market stall owner, surnamed Liu, to inherit the estate of an elderly man, surnamed Ma, including a property valued at 3.3 million yuan (US$460,000). This decision comes despite the challenges posed by the deceased’s relatives, marking a significant acknowledgment of the deep bond formed between Liu and Ma.
The story began years ago when Ma, an octogenarian, struck up a friendship with Liu at his fruit stall. Over time, their relationship deepened, leading Ma to invite Liu, his wife, and their three children, who were then living in modest conditions, to share his home. This gesture of kindness transformed into a lasting bond, with Liu and his family providing unwavering care and support to Ma in his later years.
Ma’s decision to bequeath his entire estate to Liu was witnessed by notary officials, an act that reflected his profound gratitude and recognition of Liu’s family’s dedication. However, upon Ma’s passing on December 31, 2021, his three sisters, who also lived in the same house, contested the will. They refused to hand over Ma’s bank account certificates to Liu, claiming entitlement to their brother’s assets.
The relatives argued that the agreement signed between Ma and Liu in 2020, which stated that Liu would care for Ma until his death in exchange for inheriting his property, was invalid due to Ma’s alleged mental illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. They contended that Ma lacked the mental capacity to make such a decision.
However, notary officials refuted these claims, affirming Ma’s mental soundness at the time of signing the agreement. The Baoshan District People’s Court, in a verdict delivered earlier this month, upheld the validity of the agreement, ordering the transfer of Ma’s house and finances to Liu.
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