Shameless – Lessons to Be Learned

Never, ever use family for wills, probate, or dealing with any legal matters.

Recent events have proven to me beyond any doubt that my husband’s family prioritized money over care, empathy, or any sense of moral responsibility. Looking back, I now see that had my husband passed before me, the outcome would have been the same: his family would have swooped in, seized any money and assets, and cut me off entirely without a second thought. There would have been no regard for my well-being, my rights, or the life we had built together over 32 years. I would have been thrown out of my own home without conscience or empathy.

What I have witnessed has been nothing short of mercenary. Within 24 hours of an abusive situation taking place, instead of offering reconciliation, support, or even the possibility of rehabilitation, they went straight for the jugular. Wills and assets were being changed with absolute ruthlessness, confirming that their only concern was financial gain.

This experience has taught me an invaluable lesson: never trust family with legal matters. Protect yourself. Use independent legal professionals, set up airtight legal protections, and never assume that shared history or familial bonds will translate into loyalty or fairness.

Toxic creates toxic, and I now see with complete clarity that removing such people from my life is the only way to move forward in peace.