RETIRED TEACHER CUT OUT OF WILL: AM I WRONG?

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RETIRED TEACHER CUT OUT OF WILL: AM I WRONG?

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Peter Cover

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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.

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About Peter Cover

Peter Cover, born in 1975 in Asheville, North Carolina, is a famous writer and journalist known for his work on celebrities and fame. He studied at the University of North Carolina and writes about how media and privacy affect famous people's lives.

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