'I have proof that the money was mine': Great-aunt wills money to fund family's education, family spends the money on a wedding instead

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Apr 30, 2023 5:00 PM EDT

I don't blame this woman for airing out her family's business after what they did with her education funds. 

For most people, family comes before all else. You want your loved ones to be happy and thrive, and have all the tools they need to succeed in the world. It seems like this woman's great-aunt really wanted that for her own family. She specifically set aside money for the women in her family to get an education. The OP, u/Accomplished_Bar5656, writes that her aunt helped numerous members of the family achieve this important goal, especially in a culture where women's education wasn't a priority. 

The OP planned on using the money to go to college also, just like the others. But she got a terrible surprise when she went to check on her funds — her parents had used a lot of it, and in her words, "it was almost all gone." 

Scroll down to read this stunning story, plus how the OP ultimiately showed the world just how her family had treated her. Then, check out these extra literal memes. 

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  • 01
    World - 'AITA for suing my parents for my college money?'
    via javier trueba on Unsplash
  • 02
    Font - r/AmItheA Posted by u/Accomplished_Bar5656 AITA for suing my parents for my college money. Not the A-hole My great-aunt set up savings accounts for all of her female relatives. In our culture education for women is not really valued and she thought that was bulls
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 03
    Font - She lived with her father in London where she was educated. She went on to attend university and became a doctor She married a British man, they moved to America and had a great life. She funded the education of as many of her neices and grand neices as she could.
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 04
    Font - When she passed away she left money for every girl relative she could. My parents managed to access the accounts that were set up for my sister and I. They used it to pay for my brother's wedding. My sister didn't care because she got married two years out of high school and had no intention of going to college.
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 05
    Font - When I graduated I went to the bank to get money for school and it was almost all gone. There was like $13,000 left. I asked my parents about it and they said they had needed the money. I finally found out where the money went. I got furious. I got student loans and moved out. I am a great source of shame to them and I don't give two f S.
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 06
    Font - I am currently suing them for the money that was left for me. My entire family is against me. They all think I am a complete al for airing private family business in public. And that I am putting money ahead of family. My friends are all on my side but they are all Americans and don't really get my culture. Neither do I to be honest.
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 07
    Font - My brother called me up and offered to pay for my university if I drop the lawsuit. I agreed as long as we had a legally binding contract. He said I was being an for not trusting him. I said he should not have accepted my money for his wedding. It is causing all kinds of a embarrassment in our community. I am somewhat ashamed to be doing this but I don't want to have this debt I should not have.
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 08
    Font - Timely-Ask-1327 Parta pant [4] NTA. Your parents didn't borrow your money. They stole it. I hope you I have all the documents to show that money was yours. Your brother is also the AH for trying to get you to drop a lawsuit with what is most likely a lie. If you have a chance to start life without student debt you do whatever you can to do that. Your parents, and I'm sorry but their culture, sound completely toxic. I'm glad you got out.
    via u/Timely-Ask-1327
  • 09
    Font - Accomplished_Bar5656 OP The student law center at my university is helping me with everything. I have proof that the money was mine. I am trying to do everything I can so this does not become a criminal matter.
    via u/Accomplished_Bar5656
  • 10
    Gesture - SelectRecord767 NTA.. Day light robbery is what it is!!!
    via u/SelectRecord767
  • 11
    Font - beepbeepboop74656 Yes your parents brought shame upon themselves by stealing from you. May Karma come for your family. Good luck to you!!
    via u/beepbeepboop74656
  • 12
    Font - Mopper300 Pooperintendant [64] They all think I am a complete a for airing private family business in public. And that I am putting money ahead of family. Noooooo, they think you are an for holding them accountable for their awful actions. They thought you would be a pushover, but you are showing them you're not. Your great-aunt would be proud of you. as
    via u/Mopper300
  • 13
    Font - And you aren't the one putting money ahead of family. They did when they stole your money. They already showed you how little they think of you or respect you or love you as a family member when they screwed you over. NTA obviously
    via u/Mopper300
  • 14
    Font - secretWolfMan They already showed you how little they think of you or respect you or love you as a family member Also completely disregarded the dying wishes of the Aunt so they could throw a bigger party.
    via u/secretWolfMan
  • 15
    Font - kavk27 Parta: pant [4] NTA Your parents and your brother had the opportunity to keep this a private matter when you told them you would sue them if they didn't return the money or pay for your schooling. Since you have already been betrayed by family members you trusted, your brother should not be offended that you want a written contract.
    via u/kavk27
  • 16
    Font - Ok_Possibility5715 A Aficionado [16] This and also i (if you haven't done it already) would try to look for written statements and records (before your parents might get rid of it) how much money you were supposed to get. Not that they say they only used 2 thousand or some stuff.
    via u/Ok_Possibility5715
  • 17
    Font - Malphas43 Parta pant [2] OP should be able to get that from the bank. The bank should keep those records. OP also needs to find out HOW they got into the account in the first place so they can put up measures to prevent further c
    via u/Malphas43
  • 18
    Font - Thor527 Yeah not only did they steal a life-changing amount of money from op but the way they did it is also incredibly disrespectful of the dead aunt that the money came from. OP is 100% NTA and I commend her for standing up for what her aunt believed in.
    via u/Thor527
  • 19
    Font - Zestyclose-Sky-1921 Parta pant [1] ΝΤΑ Also your alternative to your brother was excellent. I have no idea why your brother got angry /s explicit explanation: because he is from the same family and was absolutely going to screw you over just like your parents did. I approve of absolutely every step you have done, especially dealing with your brother.
    via u/Zestyclose-Sky-1921

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aita Legal Woes legal family education theft money college
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