Wealthy son loans father money to keep his business, until son discovers father removed him from his will, leading son to sell the loans to dad's business competitor: ‘I saddled him with debt’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jan 4, 2026 4:00 PM EST

We are all aware of the shift that happens sometimes in our adult life, when instead of being taken care of by our parents, we start taking care of them instead. 

As kids, we are used to turning to our parents for every single request and need. They take care of us; they cook and clean, they teach, they give us money, and ensure we have everything we need as we grow up. We couldn't have done it without them. 

Then, before we know it, we grow up. We become independent adults who no longer rely on our parents. And for a few years, everyone is going quite alright on their own. But parents grow old and needy, and suddenly the balance shifts, and the child becomes the caretaker. Some children find themselves providing for their parents, ensuring they have enough money to quietly enjoy their retirement. Others take physical care of their aging parents, assuming the roles of cook, cleaner, and yes, even teacher. All to ensure they have everything they need in their old age. It's a strange shift, to change this balance you've gotten so used to, but it's all just a way of life.

The son in the story below has felt the need to help his father and ensure he has everything he needs. This also led the son to agree to loan his father money with almost no interest so that his dad could keep his business running. This loyal man did everything he could to help his father. That was until he discovered that his father had changed his will and basically left him out of it. Instead, the father left everything to his wife and stepchildren.

Hurt by his father's decision, the son decided his dad does not deserve all the help he had been given, especially since he has no appreciation for it. This led the son to sell the loans his dad had to a business competitor, which meant that the business would basically belong to the rival. This was only discovered by the stepchildren after they inherited the father's business, and they were furious to discover what the son had done in the name of spite.

Keep scrolling to read the full story of this family drama.

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  • 1112
    via Minerva Studio

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • AITA for emptying out my dad's estate basically making his will useless.

    I, 48M, have helped my father keep his business afloat for years. I didn't mind. His support when I was young is the only reason I am where I am in life financially.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • I was able to graduate debt free and start my own business straight out of university.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • My stepmother on the other hand was never my biggest fan. She thought I should have done more for her and her sons.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • was already out of the house when my father married her so I never felt like I owed her anything.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Much less her useless kids. Both of my stepbrothers ended up working for my dad's company.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • But they are useless. They spent most of their time "servicing" clients. Taking clients to lunch and golfing with them.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Stuff like that. My dad needed help a few times and rather than let him go under or go to the bank I gave him loans at a very low interest rate.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • That way if he couldn't pay me back I could write them off as bad debt and get a tax deduction.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • I know now that he never mentioned the loans to her or her kids. And when I say kids these are men in their thirties.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • My dad got sick two years ago and my stepbrothers actually had to work. The company was pretty solid now and they couldn't sew it up too badly.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • My dad and his accountant were still in day to day control. He just couldn't go into the office.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Six months ago my father rewrote his will. He left everything to my stepmother and stepbrothers.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • I was left token sentimental gifts. I don't need the money but I could smell the bull crap.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • So I sold my loans to a business competitor of my father. With the provision that I would personally make the payments until my dad passed away.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • So basically they get the company when my dad died. I got my money back so I was happy.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • When my dad passed I got my stuff from his estate. Just photo albums and other things of that nature.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Older businessman standing on stairs
    via amriphoto

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • My stepmother got the house and a retirement fund. And the three of them got the company.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • They came to me about the loans after they figured out how much my dad owed me.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • They wanted to keep the same deal. Basically one percent interest and really lax views on collecting payments.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • I told them that I had already divested myself of any involvement with my dad's company and that they had to deal with a different creditor who would probably want to collect in full or renegotiate.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • They think I'm an asshole for saddling them with debt instead of the solvent cash cow they thought they were getting.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • It's still a viable company and they can go to a bank themselves and get a loan to pay it off.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Then they have a company that has debt payments to make. Lots of good companies like that.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Also I think I exaggerated in the title. I didn't empty out the estate. My stepmother has enough money to last her until she dies unless she spends it foolishly on herself and her son's.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • And my stepbrothers both have shared in a good company that has an excellent accountant. If they actually decide to work it will support them and their families forever.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Zealousideal_Till683 So let me get this straight. Your stepmother took everything from your father's estate, leaving you with nothing. And she's complaining that she's getting the raw deal? You must know you're NTA.
    via Zealousideal_Till683
  • OP Boring Tower3399 I had already received a large inheritance when my mom passed away years ago. All my dad really had was the house, some savings, and the business. And like I said the business will require actual work to function. If they are smart they will sell everything to the company that holds their debt now. Then go find regular jobs.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • lordplagus02 Lol I love the pettiness of selling the debt to a competitor. Power move. NTA.
    via lordplagus02
  • OP Boring Tower3399 He was my dad's old business partner but they had a falling out. I'm pretty sure his plan is just to consolidate the two companies. My dad's has some excellent contracts and assets.
    via Boring_Tower3399
  • Kooky-Today-3172 Who said he was coerced? Men are notorious for favoring the New wife's kids to keep her happy...
    via Kooky-Today-3172
  • OP Boring Tower3399 He knew I didn't need the money. He was the one who let me know about the will. This debt is only about 15% of my net worth.and it was worth it while my dad was alive.
    via Boring_Tower3399

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family drama inheritance aita kids siblings stepmom parenting loan family business money parents children Father
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