In a widely circulated social media post, an individual recounted their intention to take legal action against their parents for the college funds that were never passed down to them.
“In our culture, education for women is not really valued,” the original poster (OP) began.
OP had a remarkable great-grandaunt who possessed an unwavering passion for education. She believed in the importance of education, advocating for equal opportunities for women. Her viewpoint stood in stark contrast to the prevailing societal norms of the area.
The Great Grandaunt Challenged Societal Norms
After attending university in London, the great-grandaunt became a doctor. She married a British man, and together, they moved to America with their shared dream of a bright future.
When her great-grandaunt passed away, she left money for the female relatives in her family. Having grown up in a culture where education was not valued, she wanted to make sure these women could pursue their academic dreams.
“When she passed away, she left money for every girl relative she could,” OP revealed in her post.
The Parents Controlled The Account
While OP was growing up, her parents managed her savings account. Stuck for cash, they decided to use the funds to pay for her brother’s wedding.
Her sister was already married. “My sister didn’t care because she got married two years out of high school and had no intention of going to college,” OP admitted.
However, OP was hoping to use the money for college and was disappointed when she went to the bank and discovered most of the money was gone, with only $13,000 left.
“I asked my parents about it, and they said they needed the money,” OP fumed. “I finally found out where the money went. I got furious. I got student loans and moved out. I am a great source of shame to them, and I don’t give two f—-.”
OP Decided to Take Radical Action
OP then made the ultimate decision to sue her parents to get her great-grandaunt’s money back.
“My entire family is against me. They all think I am a complete a—— for airing private family business in public. And that I am putting money ahead of family,” OP shared.
With the support of her American friends, OP took legal action and eventually came to an agreement with her family.
The Family Tried To Stop The Case
OP’s brother called to tell her he would pay for her university if she dropped the lawsuit.
OP agreed, under the condition that he would provide a legally binding contract.
“He said I was being an a—— for not trusting him. I said he should not have accepted my money for his wedding,” OP stated.
OP wants to know if she was wrong. “It is causing all kinds of embarrassment in our community,” OP admitted.
She let her university know at the student law center, and they are helping her prove that the money is hers.
“I am trying to do everything I can so this does not become a criminal matter,” she said.
Social Media Responded to The Story
“Your parents didn’t borrow your money. They stole it. I hope you have all the documents to show that the money was yours. Your brother is also the a—— for trying to get you to drop a lawsuit with what is most likely a lie,” one person said with 43,100 upvotes.
“If you have a chance to start life without student debt, you do whatever you can to do that. Your parents and I’m sorry, but their culture sounds completely toxic. I’m glad you got out.”
“I’m sorry, but this is a criminal matter. If this was for an American university, you are talking $200k to $300k. Theft of that much is jail time,” another person stated.
“No, they think you are an a—— for holding them accountable for their awful actions. They thought you would be a pushover, but you are showing them you’re not. Your great-aunt would be proud of you,” one person with 15,400 upvotes said.
Do you agree with OP’s decision to sue her parents? What should OP do in this case?
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This article Woman Sues Parents For Using College Money To Pay For Her Brother’s Wedding was produced and syndicated by TPR Teaching. Reddit Source.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.