This Redditor is left to deal with his late wife’s siblings’ greed, as they demanded her share of the inheritance when she passed away. Should he do what he planned or give them the money?
Battle With Cancer
OP’s (Original Poster) wife passed away when she was 57 after a long battle with cancer.
Before she passed, she and her siblings received an inheritance from their parents, who died in 2017 and 2020.
All Their Fortune
His wife had two siblings, and they had no problem with how their parents’ money was distributed.
OP wrote, “All of their possessions and money was left in a trust that was to be divided between my wife and her two siblings. They were all pretty much in agreement as to who got what and what was sold.”
We Needed the Money
OP was glad to have had the money from his late parents-in-law. After all, they needed to pay for his wife’s medical expenses.
Without his wife’s inheritance, they wouldn’t have been able to “afford a fight.”
Loss of a Partner
Sadly, the money was not enough. All the money in the world could not have saved OP’s wife.
Reaching Out
OP’s brother-in-law reached out after his wife died. He told OP that now that the “appropriately respectful” amount of time had passed since her death, OP “needed to return what was left of her share of the inheritance.”
Brother-In-Law’s Demands
OP and his wife had no children together. So, for OP’s brother-in-law, it was only right for him to hand over the money to him and their other sister.
His Refusal
After listening to his brother-in-law, OP “politely refused.”
He said he intended to give most of what was left of his late wife’s inheritance to charities she supported before she died. He also planned to donate to the hospital that cared for her before her death.
That’s Family Money!
Upon hearing this, OP’s brother-in-law immediately got upset and told OP that the inheritance was “family money.” He also told OP that he “wasn’t entitled to it” and “shouldn’t be throwing it away.”
He then hung up on OP!
Sister-In-Law’s Thoughts
Then, OP’s sister-in-law started reaching out. She, too, was furious.
OP wrote, “She said that as she has three children and a big mortgage. She needs the money more than ‘some charity.’”
It’s in the Will
OP clarified that his late wife “really did will him” what was left of the inheritance. Apart from that, she also stated parts of her belongings that would go to her siblings.
The Specifics
He mentioned that his late wife was particular about what would go to who. This included some items of her mom’s jewelry, her car, family heirlooms, and more.
OP said, “It would be hard to argue the will as they were left some valuable items.”
Feeling Bad
However, OP also started feeling bad about his decision. Now he feels like he might be an a**hole for “giving away” what was left of his wife’s inheritance.
Should he give it to her siblings instead?
The Community’s Reactions
Redditors reminded OP that his in-laws had no right to the money because it was how assets that were brought in during marriage work.
One of the top commenters said, “Not the a**hole. That’s how marriage assets work.” Another agreed, saying, “Absolutely. But also, if this is true, these are not nice people. Who calls a grieving spouse and demands their money? OP should use the money left by their wife however they see fit. OP can donate it. Or buy a pony. Or save for retirement. Or get really, really drunk. But whatever OP decides, it should not be given to the in-laws.”
The Money Shouldn’t Go to Them
Some users reminded OP that his brother-in-law and sister-in-law already got their share. So, he should do what he intended with the money his late wife left him.
This Redditor said, “He can use the money just for himself. The sister-in-law and brother-in-law have no right to it. They got their part! If his wife had a long healthy life, they would also have to see how to manage their money. Or did they wait for her death and hope that it came soon so that she doesn’t use up so much of the inheritance for hospital bills? They are tasteless! Especially to just contact OP to demand money! OP’s late wife wanted him to have the rest of the inheritance. It is up to him if he makes a long vacation. I bet his late wife would be happy if he had fun and saw the world. If she wanted the sister or brother to have the money, it would stand in the will. Go no contact with them. They give a f*** about you or your grief. I’m sorry for your loss, OP! Not the a**hole.”
What would you tell OP’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law? Do you think they deserve a cut of his late wife’s money?
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This post first appeared as He Refused to Give the Inheritance His Late Wife Left Him to Her Siblings. They’re Furious He Wants to “Throw Away Family Money” to “Some Charities” Than Help Them! on Quote Ambition.
