A young Estonian woman inherits a long-forgotten heirloom, sparking a family feud over its value and her rightful claim to it.
A 24-year-old woman from Tallinn, Estonia, is at odds with her mother and half-brother over an unexpected inheritance from her estranged father. The woman had a ‘pretty crappy childhood,’ living in second-hand clothes and hand-me-downs, while her younger half-brother received name-brand clothes and new phones.
An estranged father is a parent with whom their child has a strained or broken relationship.
This can be due to various reasons such as divorce, neglect, abuse, or differences in parenting styles.
Studies show that approximately 25% of children experience an estrangement from one of their parents by adulthood.
Factors contributing to this phenomenon include conflict, lack of emotional support, and differing values.
Understanding the complexities of estranged father relationships can help individuals navigate these challenging situations.
The Unexpected Legacy
When the woman‘s father passed away, she discovered that he had left her everything he owned in Estonia – half of his apartment. However, her mother now wants to sell the apartment to renovate a new home and buy a BMW for her 17-year-old son, citing her late husband as the reason.
A Mother’s Demands
The woman’s mother believes she should ‘gift’ her share of the apartment because her father paid no child support and raised the woman alone. However, the woman plans to keep the money and may use it for a down payment on a home. Her family is upset with her decision, with her brother sending messages accusing her of being selfish.
Redditors Weigh In
Most people on Reddit agree that the woman should keep her share of the inheritance. One commenter wrote, ‘NTA [not the asshole], this is the only inheritance you’re likely to get.‘ Another person said, ‘Take the 50%. It was your father’s wish. He wouldn’t have wanted your mother to spend it on herself. It’s yours.’
Reddit's community-driven platform fosters a supportive environment for users to share their experiences and connect with others who share similar interests.
With over 138,000 active subreddits, users can find communities dedicated to specific topics, from mental health to hobbies.
A study found that 70% of Reddit users feel supported by the platform's community.
Users can engage in discussions, share resources, and offer advice, creating a network effect that provides emotional support and practical help.
The woman concluded her post by asking whether keeping her share of the apartment sale makes her an ‘a——.’ The Reddit community responded with support and understanding, urging her to honor her father’s wishes and not feel guilty about taking what is rightfully hers.
A Daughter’s Rights
In this situation, the woman’s rights as a beneficiary of her father’s estate are clear. She has inherited half of his apartment and should be able to decide how to use it without interference from her family members. The fact that her mother and half-brother are pressuring her to give up her share suggests that they may not have her best interests at heart.
A daughter's rights are often tied to her family and cultural context.
In many societies, daughters have historically been denied equal inheritance and property rights compared to their brothers.
The United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) aims to address these disparities.
According to CEDAW, states must ensure that women, including daughters, enjoy equal rights in matters of 'inheritance' and property ownership.
In some countries, laws have been enacted to protect daughters' rights, such as the Indian Succession Act of 1925.
A Lesson in Family Dynamics
This story highlights the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of navigating relationships with estranged relatives. It also serves as a reminder that inheritance is a personal matter, and individuals should be free to make their own decisions about how to use their inherited assets.
