Inheritance disputes can escalate quickly, and in Bonnie’s case, it all started when her father passed away and left her the family home. Bonnie gave her stepmother a clear choice: either pay rent with the $12k her father had left her, or move out. When her stepmother refused, Bonnie was left with no choice but to evict her.

But what seemed like a simple process soon turned into a tangled mess of emotions, broken trust, and unexpected revelations.

Here’s Bonnie’s story:

“My dad passed away and left me his house. I told his wife she could either pay me rent with the $12k he’d left her, or move in with her son. She responded by saying, ‘This was my home for years! Shame on you!’ And with no other option, I had to evict her.

Years went by with no word from her.

Then, yesterday, she called and insisted on meeting. I was stunned to learn that the small apartment she was now living in had actually been bought by my dad before he passed away.

She explained that he had used the remainder of his savings to buy the apartment for her, ensuring she’d have a safe place to live if she ever had to leave the house. She also revealed that she had signed a deal saying that the apartment would go to me once she passed, but only if she stayed in the house with my dad. If she was forced to leave, she had the right to give the apartment to anyone—now, she’s leaving it to her son.

Once the shock wore off, I was furious. All I had done was protect my rights. My stepmother had money, and she could have paid rent—this house isn’t a free hotel.

What hurts the most is that I was kept in the dark. I had no idea about the apartment, and now I feel betrayed. The property my dad bought for her is now going to her son, instead of me.

What should I do?