Man Inherits Neighbor's Apartment After Taking Care of Him for Years, His Biological Children Demand That He Hand It Over, Threatening to Smear His Reputation

Advertisement
  • 01
    r/AITAH u/Practical-Ball-9415. 1d AITAH for refusing my late neighbor's adult kids his house after he left me most of his inheritance?
  • 02
    I had a neighbor, Grappa, who was more like family than just the man next door. After my dad died when I was 4, he became a huge part of our lives, constantly helping my mom and me – financially and emotionally. Grappa's own kids lived states away and hardly ever visited, maybe 10 times in 24 years. He was lonely, and I became the closest thing he had to a grandson.
  • 03
    In the last few months of his life, things got really bad. He lost control of his body and couldn't speak anymore. My mom moved in to care for him after doctors recommended house care, and I was there every day after classes. His kids didn't even show up until he was in the hospital, 3 weeks before he passed. After he died, they stayed at his house while we waited for the will to be read (the lawyer had already sent notices, and I was initially surprised I received one)
  • 04
    I was floored when the will revealed Grappa left me his 3-bedroom apartment in the city (which he had bought some years ago as an investment and was renting it out) and $50k, while his own kids got $75k and his personal possessions. The kicker? Grappa willed his house to be sold, with the money going to charity and his grandkids' college funds. They were livid and had a meltdown instantly but couldn't contest the will because it was watertight.
  • 05
    After the reading, his kids approached me privately. They told me to "do the right thing" and give them the apartment. They even offered me $50k under the table to hand it over, saying it was their rightful inheritance. I refused the ridiculously low offer.
  • 06
    They then became vulgar and threatening, and rather personal about my mom's relationship with Grappa. I wasnt actually willing for all these complications, and I was actually thinking of a favorable negotiation. This was the last straw that broke my back. I told them to go themselves, I'm keeping it. One of them threatened to go public (for what idk but she is a reporter), smear my reputation, and make it seem like I and mom manipulated a lonely old man into giving me everything.
  • 07
    I'm holding my ground, and now they're accusing me of taking advantage of him. Friends and even some family members are telling me I should've just taken their offer to avoid drama. I told them to right off too. I've lawyered up, just in case, and have kept records carefully. Am I selfish? Am I greedy? AITAH? ۵ 5,684 664
  • 08
    Pretty865-Artwork. 1d NTA If she "goes public" you can sue her for defamation and get all her inheritance. Reply 27.7k
  • 09
    hissyfit64. 1d Or "go public" with how she and her siblings were so callous and indifferent to their own father's health, that his neighbors had to step in and do the right thing. ... 14.6k
  • 10
    _iron_butterfly_ • 1d NTA - It would be disrespectful to not abide by his last testament. My husband and I are in our mid- 40s. The person/people who help care for us in our old age... will inherit a fortune and a house. Reply 1.1k
  • 11
    Love_Baby0032 • 1d Inheritance is like a final gift from someone. If they gave it to you, it's your call, no guilt needed Reply 341
  • 12
    SweetxChic • 13h I agree. Its was Grappa's decision to give you his inheritance because of what your family did for him and letting him be part of your family all those years OP. NTA ...
  • 13
    sassy-gurl32. 1d You're not the . Grappa chose you because of your close relationship. His kids only showed up at the end and are now trying to exploit the situation. Stick to your decision. ← Reply 326
  • 14
    Cybermagetx • 1d Nta. They didn't want to deal with him but wanted his money. No one is entitled to anything after thier parents die. If they go public speaking with a lawyer and sue for slander/libel (depending on what they do). ... Reply 58
  • 15
    Ο TwinklexHeart • 1d | agree. They only wanted to deal with him on his final days, when they don't have to take care of him. Grappa rewarded the people who took care of him and made him feel like family. They should be grateful that he gave college funds for his grandchildren OP. NTA
  • 16
    missing_themountains. 1d Stop responding. Keep records of the threats. Send everything to your lawyer. Reply 81
  • 17
    Next-Firefighter4667 • 1d Yup, this. No response except through a lawyer. If the harassment continues, your first action should be a cease and desist just so they're aware you've gained counsel and won't be pushed around. ← 28
  • 18
    HotSpicySexy • 1d NTA. Your neighbor clearly valued and cared for you more than his own children, and that was reflected in his will. It is not your responsibility to give up your inheritance because his kids were not present in his life. They are just bitter and trying to manipulate the situation. Stand your ground and don't let them guilt you into giving up what was rightfully left to you. ... ← Reply Ŵ 47 ♡
  • 19
    Engineering Able9115.1d NTA. If the will is airtight, the apartment is yours. Unless you intend to live in it, you might want to sell it. Depending on the city, HOA/condo dues and taxes can be pretty intense. Normally, I would urge you to give his heirs a right of first refusal. But they have been beastly toward you and do not merit the courtesy.
  • 20
    Also, you mentioned that one of tbr daughters is a reporter. Did she make her threats in written, verifiable form? If so, then consider contacting the editor in chief or program director (or similar exec) at the place where she works and let them know she is threatening to use her position as a reporter as leverage in a dispute with you. Media execs LOVE it when reporters do that.... ← Reply 22
  • 21
    Global_Monk_5778 • 1d NTA. Tell them "he was not my blood but he was my grandpa. My mother was his daughter. We loved him and cared for him for decades which is more than can be said for any of you lot. You've crawled out of the woodwork to pick over his estate and you're being greedy about it. This isn't love, this is greed. Go and report that and leave us to grieve our loved one in peace, or I'll report you for harassment." I'm sorry for your loss OP Reply 26 ↓
  • 22
    Its JasmineDior • 1d Legally, you have every right to keep what Grappa left you. Morally, the situation might seem more nuanced. While you could argue that you're not obligated to give up the apartment, it's also worth considering how to balance your legal rights with maintaining family harmony and managing any potential fallout. Reply 15
  • 23
    Pudding Repulsive8468. 1d NTA. And for the reporter? Tell her please do. Then you can explain why you and your mother had to take care of HER dad while she only visited him once every other year. Yea let's talk about ALL of it. And don't forget to mention the lowball offer too! Tag her place of employment ☑ Aside from that, you and your mom are good people who enriched that man's life. You deserve what you got. ← Reply Ŵ 21 ♡

Tags

Scroll Down For The Next Article