Money can sometimes cause serious problems in families, even between close relatives. A woman named Esmira wrote to us, sharing how a large inheritance brought her nothing but heartache.

Here’s her story:

“Losing my parents was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. I thought nothing could be worse than that pain. But I was wrong.

When they passed away, just a few months apart, they left a considerable inheritance for me and my two siblings. We were always close and supported each other through everything. But when money came into the picture, everything changed.

Suddenly, we were no longer siblings. We argued over every detail of the will, every asset, every cent. We accused each other of being greedy, selfish, and deceitful. We stopped talking to each other entirely.

When my parents were alive, I was the one who took care of them. I took them to doctor’s appointments and managed their health care. They were elderly, ill, and had dementia in their final years, needing constant care even before we moved them to a nursing home. My siblings and I split the monthly fees.

Now, my brother and sister argue that the inheritance should be divided equally, even though my parents’ will said I should get 50% and the remaining 50% should be split between them. I believe my parents wanted to leave me a larger portion because I cared for them tirelessly until their final days without expecting anything in return.

I’m baffled by how money can change relationships between people who genuinely care for each other. How can I find peace in this situation? I feel deeply hurt and disappointed. It seems like we’re fighting over trivial matters that shouldn’t matter so much. Can you offer me some advice? I just want to restore my relationship with my siblings. The inheritance doesn’t even matter to me anymore.”

Thank you, Esmira!

Esmira’s story highlights how money can cause rifts in even the closest families. If you have any advice for her, or if you’ve gone through something similar, please share your thoughts. Let’s help her find a way to mend her family relationships.