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This woman’s family embraced her uncle when the rest of the family disowned him for being gay. When he died, the woman and her brother received a quarter of his assets. Her brother, convinced he deserved more, took the matter to court; now, her family has ostracized her following a lengthy legal battle that cost her brother dearly.

An Uncle’s Promise

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The original poster, Jane, says her brother, Ben, is spoiled and favored by their mother.

When their uncle was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he asked Ben to be the executor of his estate. Ben agreed, expecting his uncle to leave him half of his assets.

Uncle Passes Away

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However, when the uncle passed away, his will split the inheritance evenly between Ben, Jane, the uncle’s boyfriend, and a cancer research center. 

Ben was not happy to only receive one-fourth of the estate. He had expected closer to half based on vague promises made when he accepted the executor role.

Brother Contests Will

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Feeling robbed of his perceived share, Ben contested the will, claiming his uncle had promised him half of the inheritance for taking on the executor duties. 

Sister Testifies Against Claims

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When questioned if Ben deserved a larger portion for his “work,” Jane testified that Ben had not actually done much. Jane stated that she and her father had helped the uncle simplify all of his pending affairs before he died. 

She said they should respect the uncle’s clearly stated wishes in the will.

Brother Loses Case

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Ben was furious, but the court sided with Jane. 

Earlier in the year, Ben received only one-fourth of the inheritance minus legal costs. The other beneficiaries each received their one-fourth share as outlined in the will.

Lashing Out

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Enraged at this outcome, Ben demanded Jane compensate him for the money he felt she had cost him. 

Some relatives told Jane she was in the wrong. Their mother also chastised Jane for hurting her “baby.”

Taking Brother’s Side

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Siding fully with Ben, the mother even banned Jane from Christmas celebrations and falsely claimed Jane had refused to attend.

At a New Year’s party, Ben put up a dartboard with Jane’s photo for guests to target.

Unsure If Wrong

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Jane now wonders if she was actually in the wrong. 

She has received two nasty messages from Ben’s friends, but otherwise, only her family seems to think she is to blame.

Intentional Split

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Jane’s uncle intentionally divided his estate four ways. He was a deliberate man who was not prone to rash promises. 

The will clearly outlined equal one-fourth shares to Ben, Jane, partner, and charity.

Shirked Duties

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Ben also failed to fulfill the duties he accepted as executor. 

He did not help his uncle prepare the estate or attend his funeral, and Jane states that he didn’t even go to the hospital to say goodbye. Jane and her father took on most of the work Ben shirked.

Defending Final Wishes

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By testifying truthfully in court, Jane defended her beloved uncle’s last wishes against her brother’s unfounded claims. 

Jane also believes she should not be blamed for the outcome or forced to compensate Ben beyond what the will stated.

Terrible Duo

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“Your brother and mother are a terrible duo,” one user said. “I hate to say this, but I’d bet she leaves all of whatever she has to him with this as justification.”

Excluded and Greedy

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“Being an executor of a will doesn’t mean you are even in the will,” another explained. “There are lawyers, etc., that are executors of wills. You didn’t rob anyone of anything, and he’s a greedy…”

Cost Himself Money

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“Ben lost money because he disregarded your uncle’s wishes, contested his will, and lost,” someone else said. “And you refused to commit perjury for him. Sounds like you’re better off without Ben and your mother in your life, so good for you.”

Mother, Brother Overreacted

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While inheritance disputes strain families, Jane feels her mother and brother grossly overreacted by ostracizing her and pressuring relatives into turning against her. 

Their pettiness suggests Ben was likely an entitled child, and Jane’s testimony revealed him to be the same in adulthood.

Father Seeks Daughter’s Inheritance Share for Newborn, Tensions Erupt After Unpleasant Response

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This is the story of a young woman who inherited her grandparents’ estate after their deaths. Her father demanded some of the money to support his pregnant wife after he blew through his own inheritance — and showed his true colors when she refused.

Father Seeks Daughter’s Inheritance Share for Newborn, Tensions Erupt After Unpleasant Response

He Repeatedly Pressures Wife to Spend Her Inheritance, so She Takes a Stand at New Year’s Eve Dinner

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Spouses should support each other in times of crisis. Instead, this woman’s husband has been taking advantage of her inheritance since her mother’s death. His whole family expected her to pay for things until she finally put her foot down.

He Repeatedly Pressures Wife to Spend Her Inheritance, so She Takes a Stand at New Year’s Eve Dinner

He Purchases a New Home and Car With Inheritance, After Discovering News Ex-Wife Seeks Justice

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A man received a good chunk of money after his grandmother passed away. While he and his ex-wife had been co-parenting successfully, when she heard about his newfound wealth, she started making demands.

He Purchases a New Home and Car With Inheritance, After Discovering News Ex-Wife Seeks Justice

His Late Mother Repeatedly Ignored His Funeral Advice, Now He Refuses to Pay

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After his father’s death, this man advised his mother to think about her own funeral. She repeatedly refused. When she passed away with no arrangements in place, his siblings were upset to learn he didn’t want to contribute to the funeral costs.

His Late Mother Repeatedly Ignored His Funeral Advice, Now He Refuses to Pay

Woman Fights to Protect Her Children’s Future as Boyfriend’s Parents Eye Her Inheritance

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A woman plans to use her inheritance to set up a good future for herself and her children. However, her boyfriend wants to use the money to help out his parents, who have made poor financial decisions in the past.

Woman Fights to Protect Her Children’s Future as Boyfriend’s Parents Eye Her Inheritance

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Sylvia is a freelance content marketer with an eye for detail and a knack for making even the driest of topics interesting.

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