Family dynamics can be both rewarding and challenging. However, when it comes to inheritance, some people feel hurt and resentful. It becomes even more painful when they're excluded from their parent's will while their siblings benefit, especially if the reason is that they're financially well-off.
Being left out of a parent's inheritance can deeply affect a person's sense of belonging and self-worth within the family. They may feel betrayed and disappointed, especially if they think the decision is unfair based on their financial situation.
To make things worse, the financially well-off sibling might be asked to pay for the funeral, despite not receiving anything from the will. This can be distressing and make them feel undervalued or taken advantage of within the family.
Sounds a little too specific? Well, that's because it actually happened with a certain Redditor who shared her story under the r/AITA sub-community.
Contrary to popular assumptions, she had a good relationship with her mom, but she was the most financially successful among her siblings, so it kind of made sense that she was not included in the inheritance will.
But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt, right? And to make matters worse, her siblings, who did end up having a share of the inheritance, were demanding her contribution to their mother's funeral!
Just take a look at the post below...
At 41 years old, OP is the most financially successful among her three brothers due to her achievements in starting a successful company and marrying into wealth.
Over the years, her brothers treated her as an ATM, seeking constant financial assistance, until she finally asserted her boundaries and closed the "Bank of OP," despite facing resistance from her brothers and parents.
After paying for their father's funeral and providing constant care for their sick mother, OP and one brother (A) were primarily responsible, while the other two brothers (B and C) were largely absent.
Despite their dedication, the narrator was completely excluded from their mother's will, which intended equal division among the three brothers.
OP was deeply hurt and felt disregarded when their mother excluded them from her will, despite being there for her when she needed support, unlike two of their brothers.
During the cleanup of their late mother's apartment, OP's brothers handed them the funeral bill, expecting them to pay as they did for their father.
OP refused, stating that since their brothers were receiving inheritance, they should cover the entire funeral cost, leading to a heated argument and OP eventually asking them to leave their home.
OP refuses to pay for the funeral, believing the cost should come from their late mother's estate.
Despite being financially capable, they question whether their stance is unreasonable, facing opposition from their brothers and husband.
Further update from OP:
Here's what people have to say:
Funeral costs tap dance their way out of her estate, and unless you had a hand in turning it into a Broadway production, those brothers better dance to their own inheritance tune!
Right!
OP, let your brothers step up for a relay this time and show some financial prowess.
They seem like they're textbook assholes.
Let's call it the "Sibling Discount"—25 percent is already a generous offer for the two disappearing acts who decided to skip their final scene with mom.
Sentimentality matters, and being excluded feels like a sentimental slap in the face!
No gold medals for being the financial superhero here.
It's OP's alone.
Present them with a certified invoice for the nursing care you handled, and let's see if they can balance the books with a little financial juggling act of their own.
Check that too, OP.
They're well-aware the estate covers the bill, but their real concern was their own pockets, not equality with OP and their mom.
Only pay your share.
Don't fall for their inheritance heist; they should learn that the estate is the real ATM for funeral costs!
Funeral costs deserve their own ticket to ride, and the estate's the fairway, not OP's wallet!
Setting boundaries within your family can be a hard thing to do, but in cases like this, protecting your peace is more important. Anger and hurt may get into the mix of your decision-making, but at the end of the day, it's clear what's right or wrong in this situation!
Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!
If you cannot afford a burial or cremation, you can sign a form with the county coroner's office and the state will bury or cremate the body for you. This will be at no cost, but you won't have any say in where or how.
When someone dies, one of the first expenses the family incurs is the cost of the funeral. Although this is a bill that the estate will cover, there will be costs that your loved one's family will need to pay for up front, with the expectation of being paid back by the estate in probate.
If your loved one has no assets or property, the next of kin will typically cover funeral costs. The next of kin will also handle arrangements. However, no one is legally obligated to pay for funeral expenses unless they sign an agreement.
Yet some experts consider it unseemly to give money unless a charity has been named in lieu of flowers or something similar, or if the family has indicated a need for financial support. For more on funeral etiquette, go to www.freitagfuneralhome.com/publications/funeraletiquette.htm.
For some people, $10,000 is enough to pay for a funeral. The median cost of a funeral is almost $8,000, but can range to over $10,000 depending on the options you choose.
So in short, not having funeral cover can really take its toll on your family. Remember that if you have life cover, you will most likely not get a payout soon enough. This means your family will have to collect funds to ensure you get the best funeral possible.
Typically, the costs of a funeral are shouldered by the estate of the deceased. Funeral expenses are a priority obligation that will be paid before most other estate debts. If, however, there still aren't enough funds, the person who signed the funeral contract will be responsible for the outstanding amount.
Does Medicare or Social Security Pay for Funeral Expenses? The short answer to this question is no; they don't. Medicare covers medical care, which ends when you die. Medicare doesn't have a death benefit either, but Social Security does offer survivor benefits.
No, a gratuity for the funeral minister isn't customary. But these clergy members usually receive something called an honorarium. This is a sum of cash intended to show appreciation for the time and care that the minister put into guiding the ceremony. An honorarium of between $100 and $300 is typical.
You're not typically responsible for repaying the debt of someone who's died, unless: You're a co-signer on a loan with outstanding debt. You're a joint account holder on a credit card. Note: this is different from an authorized user.
Most debt isn't inherited by someone else — instead, it passes to the estate. During probate, the executor of the estate typically pays off debts using the estate's assets first, and then they distribute leftover funds according to the deceased's will. However, some states may require that survivors be paid first.
As the executor/personal representative/administrator, you are responsible for maintaining (and ultimately selling and/or distributing) the property that they owned. Thus expenses related to this should generally be paid from the estate.
If you can't afford the cost of a funeral, there are options you could consider, including: A public health funeral. A Funeral Expenses Payment. In some cases, you can use funds from the bank account of the deceased.
Typically, the costs of a funeral are shouldered by the estate of the deceased. Funeral expenses are a priority obligation that will be paid before most other estate debts. If, however, there still aren't enough funds, the person who signed the funeral contract will be responsible for the outstanding amount.
Funeral houses will frequently work with you and your family on pre-planning a funeral price range in advance. It's so that you know what to count on when it comes time to pay for one. Yes, you can use a deceased person's bank account to pay for their funeral.
As a named beneficiary to your insurance policy, there is no legal obligation to use the insurance money to pay for your funeral. If the beneficiary chooses to instead keep the money for their own expenses, your plans may fall by the wayside.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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