I think my stepmother is protecting her son at my expense. She wants me to sign a release for $100,000 instead of what is written in my dad’s will.
At first, I agreed because I was so taken off guard. The whole family had finally gotten close again, we were healing, and the last thing I want is to fight over my dad’s death.
Blended family, his (me, 58f), hers (2 sisters mid 50s), and ours (my brother, 42). Together for 52 years. Quebec, Canada
Short story (in my eyes): My Dad passed away and left “something” to my brother and me. When my stepmother passes, she is leaving the rest to her 2 daughters and my brother. They owned a $5 million property, and she owns property in England, so they will all be quite comfortable. I am happy for them and whatever my dad wanted me to have.
He passed away recently with a 2019 handwritten will. In it, he left me his share of a property (that my brother lives in). My Dad bought it in 2003 “with” my brother. I’m not sure what my brother’s contribution was, he was 19 at the time. The property was a duplex that they renovated into a single family home in 2020, and my brother moved in December 2020. I don't know what the arrangement or deal was between them. I know my brother has mortgaged the place for the renovations, and I don’t know if my Dad co-signed for the mortgages. There is so much I don’t know. I do know the property is now worth over 1 million. So even if he has a mortgage, he’ll still own a million dollar property, no?
SM said something about the mortgages, and that my dad wanted me to buy a home, so it would be better just to take the offer. I’m more than happy with $100,000, but it seems unfair my brother gets the “duplex” and the cottage (another story), and I don’t know how to ask to see the will without starting a battle. She was unclear what portion he left me, 50 or 25%, but both are more than the offer. I know there is merit to the mortgage issue, and I would never want to make him sell, but it seems unfair. I know life is unfair. I just want what my dad wanted for me because that’s it, after that, everything will go to the other 3 kids.
I should be just dealing with missing my dad, and I don't know what he would want me to do. And I don't know where to start. I can't get his death cert because I can't remember their exact wedding date. I'm so sad, and I miss him so very much.
EDIT: I took out 2 paragraphs that were more emotional than relevant. I am getting a lawyer, no debate. I will update after I meet with the lawyer and I'm sorry for the premature posting. Thank you to all who have replied.