Teenager Shocked To Find That Her Parents Stole The 80k College Fund Her Grandfather Left For Her

They accused her of not loving her sister and niece when she demanded that they return her money

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• January 19, 2024

A 17-year-old was beside herself after she found out that the 80k college fund her grandfather left for her was gone. Her parents essentially stole the money and gave it to OP's rebellious older sister when she got pregnant.

OP thought her inheritance was safe because, as far as she understood, she and her sister needed to go to college before they could access the money. Her sister didn't go to college after she got pregnant when she was 18.

Their parents took care of and paid for everything she and her baby needed. What OP didn't know is that they all funded it using her college fund.

She only found out once she started looking for schools to apply to. She brought the issue up on Christmas but was met with unfair accusations.

Her parents accused her of not loving her sister and her niece. OP said they were right and that she hated all of them.

She felt guilty after saying so. In an attempt to appease her, their parents offered her 10k because it was all they had.

When OP refused to accept their offer, they called her greedy. The young OP wondered if she should just accept her parents' offer and let bygones be bygones.

Should OP be forgiving and accept the 10k her parents offered?

Are there any justifications for what her parents did?

Or should OP consult a lawyer to see if her parents went against the provisions of her grandfather's will?

OP was so young that she didn't even know she could sue her parents for what they did. It makes their theft that much more reprehensible.

OP was hesitant to pursue any legal recourse as she still relies on her parents. Her only living relative is an aunt who resides abroad.

A wise Redditor advised OP not to consult any of the legal subreddits as they are unreliable.

It would also be helpful if OP could get a hold of a copy of her grandfather's will.

OP could consult a lawyer for free and see how specific her grandfather was with the money he left them.

Her family, based on how they've behaved so far, will bring nothing good in OP's life.

OP is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She has to live with people who willingly derailed her future.

Did her parents hope that OP wouldn't attend college? Did they believe she wouldn't find out about their theft?

OP needs to fight for herself. It's depressing to think that there is no one else in that family she can rely on.

At the very least, OP could talk to her guidance counselor.

Under no circumstances should she accept an amount less than what was stolen from her.

OP needs to talk to an attorney. She needs to know her options and then decide what is best for her.

OP couldn't find the answers she was looking for on an anonymous online forum. An issue that serious was worth a visit to an expert lawyer.

Her parents should be ashamed of themselves. They stole from their teenage child and had the gall to accuse her of being greedy when she demanded that they return it.

Chelsi