Beijing man inherits properties after years of caring for elderly neighbor

A Beijing man has inherited five properties from his late elderly neighbor in the village after a court validated a caregiving agreement. The man, identified by his surname Liu, was awarded the inheritance following the court's ruling.

The case centered around the elderly villager surnamed Ruan, a childless 93-year-old resident of Shunyi district with no immediate family. In 2011, facing the challenges of living alone, Ruan sought assistance from the local village committee. Recognizing Liu's good reputation and positive relationship with Ruan, the committee facilitated a caregiving agreement.

With the village committee as witness, a formal agreement was signed. Liu pledged to care for Ruan for the remainder of his life, and in return, Ruan would bequeath all his properties, including a large homestead, to Liu upon his passing.

For over a decade, Liu lived up to his commitment. He relocated his family closer to Ruan and provided essential care, ensuring his comfort and well-being. Villagers served as witnesses during court proceedings, highlighting Liu's unwavering dedication, which included installing oxygen generators to manage Ruan's lung condition.

Last year, a demolition project on Ruan's homestead resulted in five resettlement houses being allocated to him. Sadly, Ruan passed away shortly thereafter in October. Liu, who had treated Ruan as family, managed his funeral arrangements and secured a burial plot.

Seeking legal validation, Liu presented the caregiving agreement to the court and pursued the inheritance against Ruan's sister and niece. The court acknowledged that Ruan's relatives had minimal contact with him during his lifetime. In light of Liu's unwavering care and commitment, the court ruled in his favor. The agreement was deemed valid, granting Liu the inheritance of all five properties.