AITA for refusing to "do the morally correct thing"?

Death has a way of bringing out the worst in people—especially when money is involved. One Redditor shared their experience of losing their father, only to have their own family contest their inheritance, claiming they weren’t the biological child.

Despite a legal ruling in their favor, the family continues to threaten civil lawsuits. Now, OP (Original Poster) wonders: Are they wrong for refusing to give in and keeping the inheritance?

‘AITA for refusing to “do the morally correct thing”?’

Expert Insight:

The Legal Side: Can the Family Sue?

Inheritance disputes, especially in cases without a will, can be messy. However, OP’s situation seems legally airtight. According to Estate Attorney Jacob Stein, “If a child was born during a legal marriage, they are presumed to be the biological child of the couple, and unless there is overwhelming evidence proving otherwise, they are entitled to inheritance rights.”

Additionally, the probate ruling in OP’s favor is likely final. Attorney Andrew Weisblatt explains, “Once a probate court rules on an inheritance case, further civil lawsuits contesting paternity or inheritance rights are typically dismissed unless new, substantial evidence is presented.”

In short, OP’s aunt and uncle may threaten civil lawsuits, but they likely have no legal standing.

The Moral Aspect: Should OP Share the Wealth?

Beyond the legal realm, morality comes into play. Some might argue that, if the family truly believed OP wasn’t their father’s biological child, they might have a right to contest. But others argue that blood alone doesn’t determine family.

Psychologist Dr. Lisa Firestone explains, “Family relationships are built on love, trust, and shared experiences, not just genetics. A child raised by someone who treated them as their own should not feel pressured to prove or justify their connection to that parent.”

Additionally, OP’s father clearly intended for them to inherit—otherwise, he wouldn’t have set up P.O.D. designations. If OP’s father didn’t want his siblings to inherit, why should OP feel obligated to give them anything?

Could OP Have Avoided This Conflict?

Though OP followed the legal process, here are a few ways they might have prevented this dispute from escalating:

Early Conversations: Discussing estate plans with family beforehand may have tempered unrealistic expectations.
Legal Mediation: Offering to meet with a neutral third-party mediator might have calmed tensions, though it’s unlikely to satisfy people acting out of greed.