Jenna inherited her grandmother’s house and savings. Now, she’s facing pressure from her father and stepsiblings, who are demanding a share. To make things even more complicated, her dad reveals a hidden truth about her mother that turns everything Jenna thought she knew upside down.
Hello, Bright Side,
My name is Jenna, and I am 19 years old. My mom left when I was born. My dad wasn’t in the picture either. He and my mom split up before I was born, and he never made too much effort to be a part of my life. He has another family now, and we don’t meet often.
I lived with my grandma, my father’s mom. She always told me that my mom didn’t want me and that she chose to leave me behind.
Grandma was always the only family I had. When she died, she left me her house and all her savings. Soon, my phone flooded with angry messages from my stepsiblings, demanding I split it all. I wasn’t going to listen to them until my dad came, and instead of asking for money, he confessed the real reason my mom left. It wasn’t because she didn’t want me. According to him, Grandma had interfered. She had convinced her that she wouldn’t be able to raise me alone, without a father. She told her that her whole life would be ruined and that there would be no future for her with a baby on her hands. She pressured her into stepping away so she could work and build her life, aka “for her own good.”
Tell them that if grandma wanted to leave them something she would have. So, tell them no and you're blocking them.
Doesn't matter if what your dad told you is the truth or not. Her will told you what she wanted. If she wanted them to have anything she''d have left it. Just say no, hang up and block them.
Now my dad and his family are saying that grandma was manipulative and that I should “make things right” by sharing everything she left me.
I don’t know what to do. This whole situation hurts a lot. For years, I thought grandma was the kindest person and the only one who was always there for me. Turns out, I have been lied to my entire life.
I don’t even know who I can trust. If my mom didn’t want to leave me, why wouldn’t she even try to contact me my whole life? Why did my father decide to share this information now? And why should I give up on my inheritance because of it? What if he made it up just to show up as a caring person when in reality he doesn’t give a dam* about me? Please help because I feel so, so trapped under all this.
If your dad wanted to be a dad then he should've actually, been there. He wasn't your parent until you acquired an inheritance. Why would you even question all the love and devotion your grandma showed you. She didn't hesitate to be your full time parent. Your grandma even made sure you had money after she couldn't be there for you. Why would question her? The obvious answer is everyone is trying to manipulate you out of your inheritance, using different techniques. Your dad wasn't there for you, your mother wasn't there for you, your step siblings or stepmother's kids weren't involved in your life. How could even ask whether they deserve a dime? What part are you confused about? Because your grandmother left you an inheritance. Your maternal grandmother not at all related to your father or his wife, left her biological grandson an inheritance. You do not owe them a dime. In fact not a dime of that pertains to any of them. They all have their own grandparents. Your grandma is only your relative not theirs. Stop questioning her. Wake up, open your eyes. It shouldn't be confusing. Your grandma was your parent and devoted herself to you. The only people lying are talking trash about about someone that can't defend themselves and your actually worried they should get her money. Your grandma, your relative, your inheritance. Period.
Dad is a snake in the grass. Be careful, very careful, don't trust. He left you too and now he's back...why?? Because of your inheritance. I'd also recommend getting a lawyer
Dad is manipulating you. Grandma is who you thought she was..kind and loving..don't fall for it
Jenna, your father is trying to gaslight you into giving up your inheritance. If he wasn't in your life until you came into your inheritance, blow him off. If your grandmother did what she is accused of (highly doubtful since no one challenged her, ever), think of your inheritance as hazardous duty pay.
Either way, hire an attorney who can make sure your assets are protected.
Maybe she left everything to you, so that no one can do to you what she did to your mother!
Hi, Jenna,
We are really sorry you’re going through this difficult situation. It’s understandable that you feel trapped and confused, especially with the new information about your mother and grandmother.
Here are some thoughts to help you navigate this:
His timing—now, after your grandmother’s death—could suggest he has a specific goal, especially since he didn’t mention this before. Consider reaching out to someone else who was close to your mom or grandma, like a family friend, to get a clearer picture of the past. If that’s not possible, think about what your mom’s actions and the available facts really tell you.
Instead of focusing on the story he told you, observe his actions now—whether they align with his words. Does he show genuine concern for you, or does it feel like he’s manipulating the situation for his benefit? To be honest, the pressure to “make things right” seems more like an emotional manipulation than a fair request.
The inheritance was given to you by your grandmother, who chose to leave it to you, no matter the reasons. Whether your mother left you because she wanted it or because she was manipulated into it doesn’t change the fact that your grandmother’s wishes were to pass on her estate to you. The other family members, like your stepsiblings, may feel entitled, but it’s important to remember that inheritance isn’t about fairness in the traditional sense; it’s about the choices the deceased made. You have every right to keep what she left for you without feeling pressured to divide it based on the idea that your grandmother was manipulative.
This situation is complicated, but you have every right to protect what was left to you. Especially if you have no one else you can rely on. Be cautious about who you trust and take the time to understand what feels right for you, not anyone else.
Take care,
Bright Side
Another woman is faced with a past she thought she had left behind when the father of her child unexpectedly comes back into her life. As a man who is going to marry her sister. Read the full story here: I Refused to Tell Anyone Who My Child’s Father Was—Now He’s Back
Your dad's story is very likely false, but that doesn't matter much. Your dad was the one who made the choice to leave both you and your grandma. He only regretted that choice when there was money involved.
