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What should i do

102 replies

littlebunty2 · 07/01/2020 16:53

Thirty years ago my parents signed their house into my name, my sister was married to a professional gambler who made them bankrupt I think they were worried that the debt collectors would come after their house. My parents died Mum first then Dad. Me and wife spent a bit on the house over the years keeping it in good condition. My dad said that on his death when I sold the house to give my sister a share he wrote her a letter stating this which the solicitor held and I have a copy. Of course after his death when she found this out was angry because she thought she should get half. I didn't know what to do with the house so rented it for a few years then sold it last year. Now she has suddenly contacted me to say she knows I have sold the house and wants some. My solicitor told her she has no legal rights as its in my name I don't know what to do now, I had earmarked the money for certain things, I haven't seen her in seven years and she has no legal entitlement to any of the proceeds of the sale She is divorced from the gambler

OP posts:
Shouldbedoing · 07/01/2020 16:57

Are you for real?

Costacoffeeplease · 07/01/2020 16:59
Hmm
Shouldbedoing · 07/01/2020 17:00

Your Dad wanted your sister's share protected from the Gambler.
Her share is haf, with an adjustment for the maintenance expenditure and rental income and perhaps an allowance for the time you spent running the house.

littlebunty2 · 07/01/2020 17:04

his letter didn't state half. she has no legal rights so it would be entirely up to me and she knows that.

OP posts:
Reallybadidea · 07/01/2020 17:04

I didn't know what to do with the house so rented it for a few years

I'm reading that as you didn't want to share it, so thought you'd rent it out and hoped she'd lose interest in the meantime.

Your father wanted you to give her a share. It doesn't matter that you've earmarked the money for something else, morally, if not legally, you owe her.

RedHelenB · 07/01/2020 17:08

You give her half. No ifs no buts.

Greysparkles · 07/01/2020 17:10

This reply has been deleted

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Walnutwhipster · 07/01/2020 17:10

Don't be a dick! How would you feel if it was the other way round?

ChasingRainbows19 · 07/01/2020 17:11

You've already made up your mind by how your post read: however she should get whatever share your parents wanted her to have. You've ear marked money that isn't yours legally or not. Morally you know what is right.

AllTheFours44 · 07/01/2020 17:11

Greedy littlebunty

MadeForThis · 07/01/2020 17:16

Greedy and selfish. Your parents would be proud.

Drum2018 · 07/01/2020 17:17

Can you clarify if your ex bil made your parents bankrupt or made himself and your sister bankrupt? If he and your sister got money from your parents all those years ago, making them bankrupt, then I'd tell her to sod off. Otherwise I'd probably give her some money, but not half the value of the house seeing as you put money into maintaining it. Legally you can say no, so it's up to you what you want to do. I assume you don't have a relationship with her so if you keep the money it's not like you'll be ruining a good relationship. Morally, well that's a different story.

Hercwasonaroll · 07/01/2020 17:19

Wow you're a greedy person.

Give her half.

littlebunty2 · 07/01/2020 17:21

my ex bil made my sister and him bankrupt. She moved away to work and I have always lived near. I think I have done more for them. She came up when she could but I did more

OP posts:
gincaketeathatisme · 07/01/2020 17:25

Absolutely, she deserves half. She had the same entitlement to you prior to your parents safeguarding their assets, what's changed? She's obviously been through a difficult time living with a gambler and divorce is far from cheap. The money may well be life changing for her, why withhold it from her?
Would your parents agree with your actions so far? I know as I parent, I would be horrified to learn my son was unwilling to help his sister and give to her what she deserves. Please do the right thing

unbaffled · 07/01/2020 17:25

I call reverse.

Namechangeymcnamechange11 · 07/01/2020 17:26

I feel sorry I your sister being related to you! You sound horrible. Your parents were clearly looking to protect their asset from the gambler. As long as she's completely clear of him, you should morally give her half.

Give her half.

sst1234 · 07/01/2020 17:31

OP, curious but serious question. What is your reasoning for not giving her half (minus what you spent on it)?

littlebunty2 · 07/01/2020 17:38

the letter doesn't state half, I have children she has none. My wife and I did more for them in the end. The solicitor has said the letter is not legally binding anyway. She could have done a lot more for them

OP posts:
stevenage42 · 07/01/2020 17:39

This is a reverse. If that's the case sister you need to get a solicitor. You have a very strong case especially as your father wrote you a letter stating this.
If it isn't a reverse, please get a solicitor as well, as you are soon going to have a fight on your hand

FairyBatman · 07/01/2020 17:40

You know full well that your DF intended for your sister to share in any proceeds of the house.

You also know full well that you are being an unreasonable CF not to carry out his wishes.

If he didn’t specify what share you have a few fair options, work out what you spent, deduct it from the proceeds and split the rest; split the proceeds by a straight % maybe 60/40 in your favour; ask your sister what she thinks is fair and negotiate from there.

Or do your sister out of her inheritance and betray your parents trust. Your choice 🤷‍♀️

strawberry2017 · 07/01/2020 17:47

Only you know what your parents would want. Your dad said a share, not half. I can understand why he made his decision. He clearly thought it was best and he has no way of knowing that she would divorce the gambler.
Nobody is entitled to inheritance.
I do think you should give her a share but whether you give half that's up to you.

ChasingRainbows19 · 07/01/2020 17:53

You having children and her not doesn't stop you sharing some of the money.

MadeForThis · 07/01/2020 18:00

I assume you've also kept all the rent too

dontdoxmeeither · 07/01/2020 18:03

If, as suspected, this is a reverse, you should absolutely seek legal advice to get your inheritance as per your Dad's wishes.

If it isn't a reverse, give her half you greedy bugger!