Daughter Feels Undervalued After Learning Of Unequal Inheritance, Despite Not Needing That Money
Even if you're doing fine financially and don't need the inheritance, it can still make you think when it's divided unfairly. That's what happened to a woman who shared her story on Reddit.
She had enough money already, but when her family divided things up unequally, it made her wonder why and if some kids were being treated better than others. Her story shows how inheritance can stir up complicated feelings and make us question family relationships.
OP received a call from her father, who mentioned that he and her stepmother were in the process of preparing their wills. He expressed a desire to discuss the portion she would be receiving.
It's important to clarify that this conversation wasn't solely about money, as OP is financially stable. Her father and stepmother are in good health, and she hopes they'll be around for many more years.
Her father mentioned that they were considering allocating 1/5 of the amount designated for their children to OP. Her stepbrother and stepsister (her stepmother's children) would each receive 2/5.
When questioned about the uneven distribution, her father explained that it wouldn't be fair for OP to receive as much as her stepmother's children, considering her stepmother's significant contributions to the family. Despite OP's inquiry about his contributions compared to his wife's, her father maintained that her stepmother's children deserved more.
OP lived with her parents until she was 12, at which point they divorced, and her father remarried shortly after. She then resided with her mother but maintained regular visits with her father.
Although she has an amicable relationship with her stepmother and stepsiblings, she has always felt somewhat like an outsider in their family. This decision solidifies that feeling for her.
While she doesn't expect her stepmother to include her equally in her will, she had hoped for more from her father. This situation has led her to feel undervalued and less wanted compared to her step-siblings.
Now, OP wonders if it's reasonable for her to feel disappointed.
OP's father contacted her to talk about her inheritance, while he and her stepmother were planning their wills.
This isn't about financial gain, OP is financially stable, and her dad and stepmother are in excellent health.
He said they're allocating 1/5 of the funds for OP, while her stepbrother and stepsister each get 2/5, her dad feels it's fair since OP's stepmother has significantly contributed to the family.
He believes her children deserve more.
While OP didn't expect to be treated equally in her stepmother's will, she had hoped for more from her dad, this situation makes her feel undervalued.
It's natural to feel let down by her father's decisions.
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Considering OP's stepmother's perspective, since OP didn't live with her and wasn't integrated into the family, it might make more sense.
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OP should remember this when they ask for help in the future.
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It's concerning that OP's dad doesn't recognize how this could make OP feel undervalued compared to her step-siblings.
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OP should consider the source of their wealth, which might help her come to terms with the situation.
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OP can encourage her Dad to donate the money to a charity she picks.
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Life's not fair, but they have the freedom to do as they please with their money.
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In the end, it's okay for OP to feel disappointed by her dad's choices about who gets what in the inheritance. But we should also think about why her stepmother might have made those choices. Since OP didn't live with her stepmom and wasn't as much a part of the family, it makes sense that her stepmom might want to give more to her kids.
But it's still not ok that OP's dad doesn't realize how this might make her feel less important compared to her step-siblings. One thing OP could do is suggest to her dad to give some of the money to a charity that she cares about.
Life isn't always fair, but people can still choose what they do with their money. OP should focus on what's important to her and what makes her feel good.
