Man Demands $30,000 From Brother’s Inheritance When He Gets a Measly Watch in the Will, Brother Refuses, Sparking Favoritism With the Parents

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Oct 20, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

Money will tear families apart. From what you thought was a happy, healthy, and close-knit family, can turn into near strangers when money is involved. It's not the first time siblings will fight over inheritance money or family possessions, and it won't be the last. People usually expect equality in a will, but that's not always the case. At the end of the day, people need to put away their petulance and just accept what fate (or a late grandparent) has given them. 

In this Reddit thread, the original poster (OP) is a man whose late grandfather has recently left his will for the family. He was very close to his grandfather, but his brother wasn't as close. When it came time to read the will, the OP was given $50,000, while his brother was given some sentimental items, but nothing of value. In all his audacity, the brother demands for OP to give him not some of his inheritance, but over half of it! Talk about entitled. 

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  • 01
    . r/AITAH • 2 days ago [deleted] AITAH for refusing to give my brother $50,000 that our grandfather left me in his will?
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  • 02
    I (32M) recently received $50,000 from my grandfather's estate. I was incredibly close to my grandfather; I visited him every week, especially as he got older and his health deteriorated. I was there through it all—taking him to doctor's appointments, helping around the house, and sometimes just sitting with him
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  • 03
    while he watched his favorite shows. He was like a second father to me, and when he passed, it hit me hard.
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  • 04
    My younger brother, Matt (27M), had a different relationship with Grandpa. It wasn't that he didn't love him he did-but he was always busy. Matt lives a few hours away, has a demanding job, and is starting a family with his wife, who's currently pregnant. He visited on holidays and special occasions, but that's about it. I
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  • 05
    always figured that was just how Matt was.
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  • 06
    When the will was read, my grandfather left Matt some sentimental things: an old watch and a few other items. But the $50,000 came to me. I didn't expect it, but I think Grandpa knew how much I had sacrificed to be there for him in those last years. I loved him and never did any of it for the money, but when
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  • 07
    I got it, I felt like it was his way of saying thank you.
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  • 08
    A couple of weeks after the funeral, Matt called me, saying he needed to talk. He came over, and after some small talk, he asked me for money-$30,000 of the inheritance. He explained that he was drowning in debt, his wife's pregnancy had brought extra expenses, and he just needed some help to get back on
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  • 09
    track. He said he wouldn't ask if he weren't desperate.
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  • 10
    I felt bad for him, I really did. But I also felt conflicted. This money wasn't something I expected to fall into my lap, but I had already started making plans for it. I've been wanting to open a small woodworking business, something I'm passionate about and have been saving for over the years. This inheritance was.
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    the missing piece to make that dream happen, and I feel like my grandfather knew that when he left it to me.
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  • 12
    I told Matt I couldn't give him the $30,000. I said I'd be happy to help him out in smaller ways, like offering some of the things I've been saving myself, but I wanted to keep the majority of the money for the business I'd been dreaming of for years. I even offered to help him look for financial assistance or budgeting
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  • 13
    tips. Now that I think of it, it was petty, but I honestly didn't mean it that way.
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  • 14
    He didn't take it well. Matt accused me of being selfish, of valuing my "non-existent hobby" over helping my own brother and future niece or nephew. He said I didn't understand the stress he was under, and to make matters worse, our parents have sided with him. Mom says family should come first and that Grandpa would've wanted me to help him out.
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  • 15
    Now, I feel like the bad guy. I didn't ask for this money, and I don't want to destroy my relationship with my brother, but this is the first time in my life I feel like I could actually follow a dream of mine, and I don't want to give that up. AITAH ?
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  • 16
    saeedaqtt 2d ago • NTA. Your brother and parents are entitled. The money is yours.
    via u/saeedaqtt
  • 17
    globaltrekker1 • 2d ago • NTA He is an adult responsible for HIS CHOICES. Stop letting them guilt trip you. If you parents care so much they can help him. a) Tell them to stop
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  • 18
    b) Tell them you have spent the money already c) Go Low or No contact if they don't stop.
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  • 19
    Smitty-TBR2430 • 2d ago • NTA. When anyone (uhhh... Mom) again says "family should come first," tell Mom to give bro the money.
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  • 20
    D.. 2d ago Edited 1d ago • I can't believe your brother had the audacity to even ask. Sounds like he doesn't know how to budget money so if you loan it to him you will most likely never see it again. You are not financially obligated to family. In fact, borrowing or lending to
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  • 21
    family rarely works out and is a bad idea. Don't do it! They sometimes think bc they're family they don't have to pay you back. Happened to me and I haven't spoken to my sister in 10 years, which is honestly a relief. Don't do it. He's being a brat.
    via u/D

Tags

family drama inheritance drama siblings family feud relationships lol love family reddit thread Reddit funny money dating brothers
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