AITA for refusing to donate part of my inheritance to my step-siblings even though they got nothing from their father?
A Reddit user finds themselves in a difficult situation after inheriting a substantial sum from their late mother’s estate, which she explicitly left to them as her only biological child.
While their step-siblings, who were raised alongside them, are struggling financially and have asked for a portion of the inheritance, the user refuses to share, citing their mother’s wishes.
This leads to tension within the family as the step-siblings and other relatives label them as selfish. Read the original story below to delve into the complexities of family dynamics and financial responsibilities.
‘ AITA for refusing to donate part of my inheritance to my step-siblings even though they got nothing from their father?’
I recently inherited a significant amount of money from my late mother’s estate. My mom worked her whole life and saved diligently, leaving everything to me as her only biological child.
She was married to my stepfather for the last 15 years, and he has two kids (my stepbrother 24M and stepsister 22F) from his previous marriage. We all grew up together, and while we’re not super close, I’ve always considered them family.
When my mom passed, she made it clear in her will that everything was to go to me. My stepfather didn’t contest this, and to be fair, he’s well off on his own and didn’t need her money. But here’s where things get sticky: my step-siblings recently found out that their father (my stepdad) has been struggling financially.
He made some bad business decisions and essentially told them that they won’t be inheriting anything when he’s gone. They’re devastated. Now, they’ve approached me, asking if I’d be willing to share some of my inheritance with them, especially since they won’t be getting anything from their dad.
They’re arguing that because we’re family and grew up together, it’s only fair that I help them out since they’ve always seen me as a sister. They both have student loans and other debts, so they say they really *need* this money to help them get their lives on track.
I refused. I told them that this money was left to me by my *mom*, and it’s not my responsibility to fix their financial problems. I’m using part of the inheritance to pay off my own loans and saving the rest for my future.
My mom specifically wanted it to go to me, and I feel like it would be going against her wishes to give any of it away. My step-siblings got angry, accusing me of being s**fish and uncaring, and now they’ve even gotten other family members involved, who think I should “share the wealth.”
The thing is, I don’t think I’m in the wrong here. This is what my mom wanted, and my stepfather’s financial issues have nothing to do with me. But now I’m getting called out for being greedy, and I’m starting to feel guilty. AITA for refusing to share my inheritance with my step-siblings? What would you do in this case?
Here’s what people had to say to OP:
whimsywhims − NTA. It’s your mother’s inheritance and she was clear about where it was going, even your step father was understanding of that. Everyone has loans and student debt, it’s not your responsibility.
Poppy-Red − NTA. You’re respecting your mother’s wishes. Why do people believe they’re e**itled to have inheritance!?
chez2202 − Your mother knew what she was doing when she left that money only to you. Do you have any idea what your stepfather’s will says? I can guarantee your mother did and from her actions I am 99% certain that his children are his beneficiaries and you are not included.. Ask him.
Then tell his kids that you are not responsible for his or their financial situation, he is, and you are not prepared to make their lives easier by making your own life harder and giving them your future security.
I think that he didn’t contest your mother’s will because they made them together. He will probably confirm this if you ask him to. Check the date of your mother’s will and the witnesses. They will probably match his.
Apprehensive_War9612 − NTA – Your mother was very specific with what she wanted. She had every opportunity to leave something to her step children. The agreement she clearly had with her husband was that she would care for you & he would care for them.
There was no way to know your stepdad would s**ew up. And reality is, if his business moves had worked out- and he could leave them millions, they wouldn’t share with you. Because the agreement with his wife was he would care for them & she would care for you. Period.
Sensitive-Ask-9368 − Ask yourself this question, if the roles were reversed, would they help you? I think not.
shzllshz − NTA. because if the role is reversed where you got no inheritance im sure your step siblings won’t be sharing their inheritance with you
Stunning_Cupcake_260 − Your mother birthed YOU. Not them.. Don’t give them a penny. It’s their dad’s fault there may not be anything for them also, an inheritance is a GIFT, not a given .
S45h4R − NTA – it’s pretty clear how things were setup here- your mom gives everything to you and your stepfather gives everything to his bio kids. It is absolutely not your fault that your step father made poor decisions and lost what was supposed to be his bio kids inheritance.
shammy_dammy − NTA. She’s not their mom, why should they get her money?
Happy-go-luckyAlways − NTA – Don’t give them a dime. Just because they asked downstairs mean you have to give them your money your mom wanted you to have, and only you. Everything you said is right, except feeling guilty. DONT EVER FEEL GUILTY!
Do you think the user’s refusal to share their inheritance was justified, given their mother’s wishes, or do you believe they should help their step-siblings in their time of need? How would you navigate such a complicated family situation? Share your thoughts below!
