Baba Basra 9:3-4

Baba Basra 9:3

Let's say that a man died, leaving both grown sons and minor sons. If the grown sons improved the value of their father’s estate, they increased the value of everyone’s shares (and not just their own). If they publicly stated an intention only to improve their own shares, then they only increased the value for themselves. Similarly, if a wife improves the value of her late husband’s estate, she does so for all the heirs. If she publicly stated an intention only to improve her own share, then she only increased the value for herself.

Baba Basra 9:4

Let’s say that brothers are partners in some inherited business venture and one of them gains a position. In such a case, the proceeds are divided among all the brothers (assuming that the position is a consequence of their common business venture). If one of the brothers falls ill and is cured, he is responsible for his own medical bills. If some of the brothers sent gifts to cover wedding expenses for others while their father was still alive, when the gifts are reciprocated by the groom (as was the practice), they belong to all the brothers. This is because one can sue for the repayment of such gifts in beis din (because it’s really a kind of a loan). If someone sent jars of oil or wine to a friend, he cannot sue for repayment in beis din because this is a mere act of kindness.