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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Mum leaving us an unequal inheritance

677 replies

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 18/06/2025 08:18

I have two sisters, youngest is 25 and still living at home and not working. Failed her degree as got very anxious about one (or two, not sure) of her exams and didn’t sit it. Hasn’t worked or done anything since.

Mum leaving house to her as she sees it as being equally her house whereas me and other sibling have since moved out. Feels really unfair that she is gifted a free home for life whereas we are saddled with our mortgages. Have never received financial help from my parents as an adult, nothing toward house deposit. Mum also has £180k savings which she says will be split between the three of us. My view is that’s her retirement money and she will (and should!) spend it.

It’s her right to do what she wants with her money. I’ve said I expect nothing from her but equally she can expect nothing from me going forward. She has previously relied on me to help her out - DIY around the house, driving her and my little sister around, taking my sister to and from uni at the time, taking in her cats when they got old and needed taking to the vets, I would previously do anything she asked (within reason).

Feels like she’s just using me and if she isn’t treating us fairly she can’t expect as much from me. Previously I had accepted that care in her old age would fall to me, eg driving her to appointments, helping her navigate things and get the right care. As little sister is really passive. She doesn’t cook, clean etc, no interest in learning to drive, or do anything really. I think if little sister isn’t planning to work and simply live off inheritance she should step up with our mum. She’s only 66 and has just retired but she’s been a heavy drinker for decades, only gave up smoking fairly recently, doesn’t exercise, so serious health issues may not be far away. She also can be quite a mean spirited person, not particularly friendly, and can be very rigid.

Feels like the big hearted thing for me to do is simply get over it, continue as I would had she hadn’t told me this, and deal with any resentment within myself as my issue to fix. I also feel quite rigid about this though and feel like I really cba anymore with either her or little sister. AIBU?

OP posts:
Dodgejam · 18/06/2025 08:23

It’s her right to do what she wants with her money. I’ve said I expect nothing from her but equally she can expect nothing from me going forward

had you made it clear to her that helping her was contingent on your receiving equal share of her inheritance?

Upsetbetty · 18/06/2025 08:21

So I take it she’s not passed away yet?As it stands nobody is getting anything. Her house may be used to fund care home fees and your sister won’t get it so I wouldn’t sit in ruminate over something that hasn’t happened. Although, I do understand where you’re coming from in theory, it is unfair, but that does not mean it’s going to work out that way. Also, if your sister is intending on living with your mum. I would step back quite a bit and let her get on with learning to look after your mum.