The estate closed in 2005 when I was 19. My lawyer claimed the inheritance I should have received was used to raise me after my mother passed away when I was 12. However, my father also had a trust, and they received monthly child support for my upbringing, so I’m certain that explanation was false.
This situation seems legally questionable. An inheritance shouldn’t absolve the family of their responsibility to provide for a child’s upbringing, especially when it’s not a parent who passed away. I’d revisit the will’s terms—if it allowed funds to be used for care, that’s one thing, but it’s more likely the money was supposed to be held in an account until I could access it.
I was too trusting and accepted this at face value. The lawyer involved clearly didn’t act in my best interest, and I’d consider filing a complaint with the bar association.
If I were in this position, I’d also challenge the wills of my deceased uncles if the estates are still open. I’m entitled to my rightful share.