Disputes over inheritance can get worse very quickly. Rebecca’s father died and left her the family home. She told her sister she had to start paying rent or leave the property. When Rebecca’s stepmother said no, she went ahead with the move. But what seemed simple at first quickly fell apart because of an unexpected problem, leaving Rebecca confused and looking for help.
Here’s Rebecca’s letter:
My dad died and gave me his house. I asked his wife to pay me rent with the $10k he left her or go live with her son. She said, “This was my home for years; shame on you!” I had no choice but to evict her. Years passed, and she was silent. Yesterday, she called and demanded to see me. I froze when I found out that the new, small apartment she was living in was bought by my dad. She said he used the rest of his savings to buy it for her before he died, so she’d have a safe place if she was ever kicked out. She signed a deal saying the flat would go to me after she passed if she stayed in the house she shared with my dad. But if she was forced to leave, she could give it to anyone-and now, she’s leaving it to her son. After the shock faded, I felt furious. All I did was protect my rights. My stepmother had money, so she could have paid; the house is not a free hotel. The worst part is that I’ve been lied to: I had no idea about this apartment, and I feel betrayed that the property my dad paid for is going to her son instead of me. What should I do? Rebecca.
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