I Put My Dad’s Widow Out of the House — It’s Not a Free Hotel
Inheritance issues can get messy quickly. After Daphne’s dad passed and left her the house, she asked her stepmother to either pay rent or move out. When her stepmother refused, she evicted her. But what seemed simple took a surprising turn when an unexpected twist came to light, leaving Daphne confused and looking for advice.
“Dad died and left me his small house. I asked his wife to pay rent with the $10k he left her, or she could go live with her son. She refused, saying, “How dare you? I lived here for 18 years!” So, I evicted her. A year passed, and I didn’t hear from her.
Yesterday, she called, demanding to see me. I went; my blood ran cold when I found out that the new, small apartment she was living in was bought by my dad. She said he used the rest of his savings to buy it for her before he died, so she’d have a safe place if she was ever kicked out. She signed a deal saying the flat would go to me after she passed if she stayed in the house she shared with my dad. But if she was forced to leave, she could give it to anyone-and now, she’s leaving it to her son.
After the shock faded, I felt furious. All I did was protect my rights. My stepmother had money, so she could have paid; the house is not a free hotel. The worst part is that I’ve been lied to: I had no idea about this apartment, and I feel betrayed that the property my dad paid for is going to her son instead of me. What should I do? Daphne”
Hi Daphne! Thank you for sharing your story. We’ve prepared 4 pieces of advice that can help you.
Review legal options regarding the apartment deal.
Since the agreement about the apartment involved you indirectly, it’s crucial to see if there’s any legal recourse. Talk to an attorney who specializes in estates or real estate to see if you can challenge the terms or argue that the situation has changed.
This is especially relevant if the deal wasn’t fully transparent when the house was left to you, as it affects your inheritance. Understanding your rights in this situation might give you leverage to negotiate with her or her son.
Consider mediation for a compromise.
While emotions are understandably running high, a mediator could help you and your dad’s wife reach a middle ground. Perhaps there’s a way to work out a new agreement where the apartment could be split in some form.
Even though she plans to leave the flat to her son, a mediated conversation might open the door to a shared solution that could give you both what you want while preventing further animosity.
Use the emotional connection to appeal to her sense of fairness.
Your dad’s wife has clearly been in a defensive position since she was forced to leave the house, and it’s likely she still harbors feelings about that. You could try having an open, honest conversation with her, focusing on your connection to your father and the betrayal you feel.
Appealing to her sense of fairness, and emphasizing how this outcome wasn’t what your dad would have wanted—especially given how the apartment deal played out—could shift her perspective.
Accept the situation and focus on preserving your dad’s legacy.
Although it’s painful, you might consider accepting that the apartment is going to her son and focus on what’s left: your dad’s house. Your father’s legacy can live on through the house you inherited, and you could honor him by focusing on making it a special place in his memory.
This mindset can help you heal from the betrayal, and rather than continuing to battle over material possessions, you can focus on preserving what you do have of him.
Jasmine, another Bright Side reader, is seeking advice. She’s been babysitting her husband’s children nearly all day because the mother is busy with work. Frustrated, Jasmine asked the mother to pay her for the childcare. What happened next left her feeling lost and devastated. This is her story.