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AIBU?

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AIBU to stay out of my mum's decision about her will?

157 replies

MoneyandInheritance · 24/04/2026 19:33

My mum has recently told me and my brother about her will. She is leaving nothing to us but is instead splitting it between her biological grandchildren. I have two children, my brother has two children with his with his ex and also two step children with his new wife who he has been with for about 10 years. My mum has always been kind to his SC, included them in gifts at Xmas, buys them things here and there like she does my children and my brothers bio children.

My brother is really annoyed with our mum, saying she should treat his SC like her bio GC and is pressuring me to tell her that she is wrong and needs to change her will. He says he would like it to be 50/50 between me and him but did say maybe he should get more because he has 4 children.

I have refused to get involved and said it’s not for us to decide what she does with her money, which is true, but I’m also glad that she isn’t leaving money to step grandchildren. AIBU? We don’t need the money and we can afford to help our children with uni, house deposits etc. My brother isn’t poor but I don’t know how much he’ll be able to help his children out. I just don’t care, I don’t want to talk about it, I don’t want my mum thinking I’m talking behind her back about her money and choices. My brother has told her he isn’t happy and I’ve told my mum I’m happy with whatever she wants.

OP posts:
HeddaGarbled · 24/04/2026 19:59

You are so completely right and I think your assertiveness is admirable.

thistimelastweek · 24/04/2026 19:57

I would definitely stay out of it.
Your brother is motivated by the best interests of his family only. Not your battle.

JoshLymanSwagger · 24/04/2026 19:57

You're doing the right thing keeping out of it.
He needs to be careful though. She may well consider the pressure he's putting on her as greed and change her will to leave nothing to his kids.

Namenamchange · 24/04/2026 19:56

It’s your mums money, she can do with it what she’s wants.
It’s great your brother treats all the children the same, but extended family don’t have too leave then money in their will because of this. Does sil treat mil like a mum?

Miranda65 · 24/04/2026 19:56

Yet again, this is why nobody should ever discuss their Will with anyone except a solicitor!
YANBU, OP.

GivingUpGivingIn · 24/04/2026 19:51

I have seen siblings (my late MIL was one) fall out when it went directly to GC.
It really would be much better going to you and your brother 50:50 to pass onto your children as you see fit, in your case two, in his case four.
You shouldn't be "punished" or "rewarded" for having more children. That said, if she did treat SC like the others, they'd all be getting a sixth each. 1/3 to yours, 2/3 to his. I can see why you are relieved but I can also see why he is aggrieved.
He would probably be fed up even if you got half each, as he has more beneficiaries but that's what remarriage will do.
But trust me, that will is going to cause accusations of favouritism, blood is thicker than water etc and you will be in the crossfire even though noone has any automatic right to others' money.

Zanatdy · 24/04/2026 19:41

He is out of order trying to pressurise her. As you say, it’s her money and her choice. You’re right to tell him that you’re staying out of it.

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