I was married to a man for 16 years and we had a son. After my son was killed by a drunk driver we couldn’t support each other. We divorced 6 years ago, I moved away and we haven’t spoken since then.
About a month ago I was contacted by the lawyer to execute his will and informed of his death. His latest will was written about a year ago.
When I went I was informed that he left me everything, except for $10k that he left to his girlfriend. They were together for 2 years and lived in the same house.
Now his girlfriend is demanding that I surrender all of the inheritance to her. She says that I wasn’t the one that was there for him when he was drowning in his grief, that I moved on while he was still feeling guilt over the death of our son.
I have refused so far, but I still feel a bit guilty since I am planning to sell the condo (our marital house, I couldn’t bear to stay in it after our son’s death) so she will have to look for housing (she can’t afford to, she doesn’t have a job). Also I make a good living and own a house outright (inherited from my parents).
I even offered her to stay at the house free of charge for the next 6 months before I put it on the market. Also, I offered her a choice of whatever she wanted to take from my ex’s personal effects and house furniture she wants to take. That and the continued use of the car.
So am I doing not enough, what should I do?
Here are what netizens think:
- He left her money but felt you deserved more. She had her inheritance. Dont give her a penny. He clearly had a reason to leave it to you. I am so sorry about your son.
- Your husband obviously seemed to still love you (and you him I’m sure) and many relationships can’t survive such a profound loss. He wanted you to be taken care of I’m sure, and had only been with the gf a short time. It’s very kind of you to give her time to get her life in order as well, but it might be smart to get a contract sorted with a time line.
- That’s my thought exactly. The grief doesnt erase the love. But seeing someone everyday that reminds you so much of the loved one that you have lost is just too big an obstacle for a lot of people.