28-year-old receives inheritance from late father, stepmom insists she share it with her younger stepsiblings: 'Dad put both of them through college while I paid for mine myself'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 27, 2025 9:00 PM EDT

Aside from the headache that comes from all the paperwork, one of the most difficult things about receiving an inheritance can be all the other people who feel entitled to it aside from you. While this doesn't always happen, there are an unfortunate number of bereaved individuals who face the trauma of losing a loved one, and then have to deal with relatives coming out of the woodwork and claiming a piece of their estate.

What is most egregious is that a lot of the time, people try to do this when there is a legal will and testament that makes no mention of them. While it is true that some change their minds when it comes to who inherits what, for the most part, what was put in writing at the time that they pass is what has to be respected. The family fights (and legal battles) can get messy otherwise.

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  • 01

    AITJ for not sharing my inheritance with my stepsiblings?

    My dad passed away two months ago and left me (28F) his house and most of his savings. He remarried when I was 16 to Linda who has two kids from her previous marriage - Alex (25M) and Maya (23F). The will was pretty clear that everything goes to me except for some specific items for Linda. But now Linda and her kids are saying dad "obviously" meant to include them too and that there must be some mistake because "he loved them like his own children."
    via Wild_Acanthaceae_497
  • 02
    Cheezburger Image 10534636032
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 03
    The thing is, dad and I talked about this before he dåd. He said he wanted to make sure I was taken care of because Linda has her own house and her ex pays good child support for Alex and Maya even though their adults now. Dad also helped put both of them through college while I paid for mine myself with loans. Linda keeps crying and saying I'm being selfish and that dad would be disappointed in me. Alex actually had the nerve to ask if he could move into "our" house since his lease is up soon.
    via Wild_Acanthaceae_497
  • 04
    I feel guilty but also like this is what dad wanted? Everyone thinks I should share but it feels wrong to go against his wishes. TL;DR: Dad left me his house and money, step-family wants me to share even though the will was clear, feeling guilty but think I should follow dad's wishes.
    via Wild_Acanthaceae_497
  • 05
    по UNITED 6 FEDER RAL STATE RESERVE E4 THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS. PUBLIC AND PRIVAT Ross Dumatates Rir Treasurer of the United States 2 20 FEDERA MH 3454488 48
    via Jason Hawke 🇨🇦 (Unsplash+)
  • 06

    Commenters were astonished at the stepfamily's entitlement.

    Electronic-Pickle-14 You're not the j, this is what your dad wanted and they should respect that. I understand that it's also hard for them, but they still have a father and no money is worth losing that. You don't own them anything.
    via Electronic-Pickle-14
  • 07
    Bibliophile_w_coffee Ask Linda if you are inheriting a third of her home on her will, actually ask to see her will. And while we are at it, shouldn't you be receiving child support from their dad too?
    via Bibliophile_w_coffee
  • 08
    BigPhilosopher4372 I think it is time you just sent them to argue with an attorney not you. Find a good one and specify any claims they think they have they should put in writing to your attorney. Manage his time so it won't cost you too much. Refuse to engage with them. You have given them a path to vent their frustration but you will no longer speak to them about your inheritance. And, no, no one will be moving in with you. I would get the locks changed and get a camera or two.
    via BigPhilosopher4372
  • 09
    Gracelandrocks OP your dad gave you a detailed explanation as to why he was leaving you everything. Your half siblings will never share anything their father leaves them. So don't let them guilt you into anything. Just say your father had his reasons and they're valid ones.
    via Gracelandrocks
  • 10
    Particular-Summer424 Exactly, your father had the ability to change or amend his will during his lifetime to include them. He stated his intentions clearly, even leaving something to his second wife. You are his son, and he provided for you after his passing as he saw fit.
    via Particular-Summer424
  • 11
    carmelfan NTJ. Tell her you're honoring your father's wishes. Period.
    via carmelfan
  • 12
    bluedreamer62 Nope your dad left for you not to be shared. Ask yourself if your step siblings got an inheritance from their bio dad would the split it either you?
    via bluedreamer62
  • 13
    Special Modus Operandi NTJ Your dad knew what he was doing. Let the vampires go. Ask them if they're going to share their inheritance from their dad or the money they get from him now?
    via SpecialModusOperandi
  • 14
    smilesbig NTJ. Would Linda add you to her Will as 1/3 beneficiary irrevocably? Doubtful. It's also doubtful that your dad and Linda didn't discuss his Will or hers. It's likely they each knew what was in the other's Will. If they didn't discuss it then there must be a reason why. Regardless - your dad's Will is clear and he didn't "forget" Linda as she got some specific bequests. If Linda hasn't already added you to her Will before your dad d d - she's just being greedy/unreasonable.
    via smilesbig
  • 15
    Fun-Interaction-9006 NTJ, your Dad wanted you to have all his money. They have a Dad still, greedy mofos. Cut them off since they want to guilt you for no reason
    via Fun-Interaction-9006
  • 16
    Agile-Wait-7571 Well there's really no reason ever to talk to these people again is there?
    via Agile-Wait-7571
  • 17
    Quiet_Village_1425 Why do you feel guilty? They're just trying to con you making you feel that way so you would cave to their demands. Don't give them a penny because they will want more till it's all gone. Don't give them any ammunition to take you to court. Block them and go no contact. Be smart not a doormat.
    via Quiet_Village_1425
  • 18
    Used-Pin-997 NTJ. Your Dad "obviously" left you everything on purpose. He didn't forget about them. His Will is a very well thought-out document.
    via Used-Pin-997
  • 19
    mangomaries Your dad was very clear that he wanted you to have this inheritance. Respect his choice and enjoy it, they are being greedy.
    via mangomaries
  • 20
    No Confidence5235 I think you should change your locks. Otherwise you'll come home one day and they'll have moved in and refuse to leave. NTJ
    via No_Confidence5235
  • 21
    Grifter_s Be up front. I sat down with dad before he d d. This is what he wanted. Sorry
    via Grifter_s
  • 22
    lavasca NTJ Keep your stuff.
    via lavasca
  • 23
    DivaOfBourbon NTJ. Tell them to kick rocks
    via DivaOfBourbon
  • 24
    CarryOk3080 NTJ follow the will to the letter. Thats what dad wanted. Cut off steps. They arent your family and they are showing that by badgering you for money in your time of grief.
    via CarryOk3080

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inheritance dad family drama siblings stepmom will AITJ family reddit thread Reddit money entitled people
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