Not My Father's Son

by Alan Cumming

Legal Rights are calculated by taking the net moveable estate (the moveable estate excludes any property such as houses or flats) and dividing it into two. One half share is made over under the terms of the Will and the second half forms what is known as the legitim or bairns’ part. It was all starting to come clear. “Bairns” is a Scottish word for children. Basically my country, at some point in its history, saw fit to enact a law to stop errant fathers from not providing for their offspring after their own death. It is this share that is then divided between the number of children. In your father’s case it would be divided between you and your brother Alan.

we all were made aware of the frailty of life, the importance of family, and the power of love.

I felt the absence of my father.