[agnosticmantis]

Maybe I misread the thread, but I’d find it a bit surprising (though not unlikely) that they would trust their neighbors more than their widow and heirs. Maybe they’re close friends that happen to be neighbors too, but then being neighbors would be a bit of a red herring.

[Dalewyn]

I'm going to lay it out flat with you: Family relations are shit. There are tons of toes that should not be stepped on, there are "we're family" reasonings that might as well be under-the-table dealings you need to keep track of, if inheritances are on the line then who knows who has a knife ready to stab you in the back.

Friends and neighbours by contrast are platonic, they are relatively simpler relationships. In fact, because they are so simple, there is much more value in trust and honesty because anyone who is dishonorable will instantly lose that relationship. Family relations aren't like that because most relationships can't be easily deleted.

As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Your closest relationships are your family.

[busterarm]

This isn't to insult the professions of people who show up to your house in emergencies, but elderly folks are known to hide cash away and more than once have I heard of situations where first responders tossed a person's house looking for valuables.

Giving a trusted neighbor access and information about the contents is to protect those things for your heirs -- or to get you out of a jam.

[xeromal]

I generally operate in life assuming the best intentions out of everyone unless proven otherwise. I don't try looking for an ulterior motive