In a recent survey, JP Morgan Private Bank found indecision among Americans with $25 million or more as to how to dispose of their wealth post-death. More than a quarter felt unsure about what amount of money would be too much to leave to their children.

About 30 per cent said their greatest fear was family conflict over how the money was divided, while nearly 40 per cent were afraid of financial predators. The interviews also showed that only nine per cent thought it right to leave a large inheritance to offspring under 30, while over 50 per cent would leave their wealth to two or more generations.

About a quarter of the 350 interviewed said they made a will less than two years ago, but a remarkable six per cent said they have never made a will; the same number said they made one more than 15 years ago.

Len Adler, a wealth advisor for the bank in Palm Beach, Florida, said: "What concerns parents the most about leaving money to the next generation is the risk associated with predators, and the climbing divorce rate adds to that fear. They're also worried about their children or grandchildren losing the incentive to work hard or go to school."