RETIRED TEACHER CUT OUT OF WILL: AM I WRONG?

Am I wrong for feeling betrayed after being cut out of my brother’s will? I’m Linda, a 58-year-old retired teacher, and my brother, who was 61, passed away last month. We were close—or so I thought. This has left me deeply shaken and questioning everything.

George, my only sibling, had been a successful lawyer. We both grew up in a loving, middle-class family, and while I chose teaching, he pursued law, eventually amassing significant wealth. Despite our different paths, I always believed our bond was solid, rooted in shared childhood memories and mutual respect.

Three years ago, George was diagnosed with a terminal illness. During this time, I devoted myself to helping him, balancing my teaching career with caring duties. I was often at his house, organizing his medical appointments, managing medications, and just keeping him company, hoping to lighten his burden.

Given our closeness, I never imagined that money or inheritance would come between us. However, when his will was read, I discovered he had left his entire estate to a charity for stray animals—a cause he was indeed passionate about, but he had never discussed his final wishes with me. I was left out completely, not even a mention or a keepsake to remember him by.

I feel a mixture of sadness and anger. Am I wrong to feel betrayed? George knew I had financial struggles, especially since my pension as a teacher isn’t substantial. While I never cared for or supported him for the sake of inheritance, being excluded has made me question his feelings towards me.

Did he secretly resent me? Did he think I was too involved in his life during his illness? These questions haunt me, and I find myself grappling with grief not just over his death, but over what feels like a personal slight.

Adding to the complexity, George’s lawyer mentioned that he had made his will shortly after his diagnosis—around the same time I started helping him more actively. It’s hard not to feel like this is a reflection of his true feelings.

Here are some comments:

• That’s really tough. Maybe he thought the charity needed it more?
• Have you considered he might have set something aside for you elsewhere?
• This sounds painful, but maybe it was his way of making a lasting impact.
• It seems like there was a lack of communication about expectations.
• I think feeling upset is natural, but it might help to focus on the good times.
• He probably valued your help but wanted to leave a different kind of legacy.
• Could there be more to this decision? Maybe he thought you were already secure financially.