Hotchpotch or hotchpot
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (364586)
Rockingham, Australia
October 21, 2025 9:05pm CST
We are trying to assist our elder son to purchase a unit/apartment in Melbourne. We have helped both boys in the past with financial gifts. My father helped us from time to time. He always said that, rather than make us wait till he passed on, he’d prefer to help us out from time to time as we needed it.
We came across the term ‘hotchpot’ when rewriting our wills. As one son is getting a substantial amount now, that needs to be reflected in our will to ensure our estate is shared more or less equally. ‘Hotchpot’ is ‘the blending, combining or offsetting of property (typically gifts) to ensure equality of a later division of property’.
I’d heard of 'hotchpotch' as being a mishmash or confused mix of stuff. Apparently it can also mean a mutton stew with mixed vegetables. But hotchpot is a new term for me.
As I don't have a photo of hotchpot 
, here is another of the wax figures from Westonie Museum.
, here is another of the wax figures from Westonie Museum.11 people like this
10 responses
@JudyEv (364586)
• Rockingham, Australia
9h
It's lucky we only have the two boys but I know it can be a nightmare. In the end, we want them both to have more or less equal shares.
@xFiacre (14522)
• Ireland
11h
@judyev I’ve often thought it sensible to help the kids out now when they need it if it’s possible. Our wills have been carefully written so that a certain someone will not be able to influence what we want done with our money. Less said the better. I really prefer just to think about mutton stew. I love mutton. Impossible to get now here. People just want lamb.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (364586)
• Rockingham, Australia
9h
The last thing anyone needs is a dispute over a will. We hope we've worded ours so it's easy for our executor. Vince's older brother wanted Vin to be executor and said just sell everything and split the money but, with seven kids, what if one, or even worse two, wanted the piano, etc, etc. Luckily we persuaded him to pick somone else.
Lamb is expensive here and you're battling to get mutton. Neither seem at all popular in the US. I find that a bit strange.
@changjiangzhibin89 (17054)
• China
11h
You father set an example for you !
It is right for you to make a will now,though you have tucks of time.
It is right for you to make a will now,though you have tucks of time.1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (485478)
• Italy
13h
This is exactly what my father always said, he helped my husband and us when we got married and Mom helped my brother. I confess that I never heard this word before. It makes sense as a mutton stew, but I did not know it was also a sort of legal term. I love the dress that the wax lady wears.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (364586)
• Rockingham, Australia
9h
We were really impressed with the museum. They had some lovely displays.
@MarieCoyle (49850)
•
14h
I learned something new, reading about ''hotchpotch'' today. It's good that you can help him now, and I am sure it's much appreciated.
The wax lady is quite striking!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (364586)
• Rockingham, Australia
9h
It seems a really strange word for a legal document. Even with the limited help we can give, he is finding it hard to find somewhere suitable. But no doubt something will turn up if we're patient.
@JudyEv (364586)
• Rockingham, Australia
9h
Later, when they're established, it won't be nearly as much help to them as it is now.
@RasmaSandra (90069)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
Just now
She looks quite realistic. Glad you are thinking about your boys,
