Inheritance Struggle Leaves Family on the Brink, but Her Clever Tactics Unmask Her Mother-In-Law’s Deceit.
The Original Poster’s (OP) family is torn apart by a bitter inheritance dispute after the death of their loved ones, culminating in an intense legal showdown that threatens to sever their ties forever.
Family Health Crisis
The OP’s father-in-law (FIL) is hospitalized with COVID, while the mother-in-law (MIL) is recovering from surgery. Her husband takes care of errands and FIL’s dad (GFIL) without appreciation. FIL sadly dies in the hospital.
False Hopes
Mother-in-law receives a life insurance payout and pretends to make amends with the family. The family plays along, but MIL’s true colors resurface. MIL insists on setting up a new trust for GFIL through her attorney.
Double Hospitalization
GFIL and MIL are both hospitalized with COVID and an unknown illness, respectively. GFIL dies, leaving the OP’s husband in charge of end-of-life decisions and estate dealings due to MIL’s incapacitation. The trust and decisions all now fall to the husband.
Taking Charge
The couple cleans out the GFIL’s house, hires a realtor, and handles financial matters. Her mother-in-law suddenly recovers and demands control as executor. The couple struggles to maintain their rights.
Shady Dealings
The mother-in-law is uncooperative during the house-selling process, raising suspicions. The couple refuses to let her take advantage of them. The inheritance money is significant for the entire family.
Sold House, Rising Tensions
The house is sold, and the mother-in-law demands her husband cash the check and remove himself from the trust’s bank account. She then adds herself to the account. Transparency is lost.
Trust Expenses
Mother-in-law claims she won’t pay the couple or siblings until “trust expenses” are covered. The husband has already paid all expenses, including realtor fees and taxes. Frustration builds as MIL continues to evade responsibility and seems to be trying to embezzle the GFIL’s estate.
Demand for Accountability
Her husband’s sister demands an itemized list of expenses, but her mother-in-law stalls. Her husband is furious and considers cutting ties with MIL. He contemplates legal action if the situation isn’t resolved within two weeks.
Documentation and Preparation
The couple gathers documentation of the check’s worth, account balances, and copies of the trust. They also collect texts from when MIL was incapacitated. Legal battle preparations are underway.
The Lawyer’s Warning
The OP suggests threatening legal action, but her husband isn’t ready to speak with his mother. He struggles with the desire for peace and the need to stand up for himself. Tensions continue to rise.
Waiting Game
The next few weeks or months promise to be interesting as the situation unfolds. OP yearns for resolution. The family remains in limbo.
Legal Consultation
OP updates the situation after speaking with a lawyer. Unfortunately, there’s not much they can do for now. The couple must wait and hope that MIL does the right thing.
Total Cut-off
Her husband reaches his breaking point with his mother, stating, “She might as well be dead to him.” He refuses further holiday visits and nonessential communications. MIL’s actions have lasting consequences.
The Two-Week Ultimatum
The couple is resolute in their ultimatum and has no contact anymore with the MIL.
Was The Couple Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses…
Forum Responded
One responder wrote: “Such horrible, selfish people.”
Another reader writes, “You should be able to demand an accounting of the expenses.”
A different person states: “What was specified in GFIL will? Who is specifically named as inheritors, or has she just been saying they will get a portion?”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by this thread.
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Alexander Veros
Alex is a writer for Top Dollar Investor, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and business stories. Alex has started several online businesses and is a blogger who loves providing quality content to help others. He is passionate about affiliate marketing, finance, and cryptocurrency.
