Daughters left out of inheritance plan after 23 years of caregiving

Two decades ago, my parents bought a plot of land and built a house for my paternal grandparents, registering it in their names so they could live out their old age there. After my grandfather passed away early this year, our family decided that my grandmother would move in with my uncle. The house and land were sold and the proceeds were divided among my grandmother, my uncle, my cousin, my father and my younger brother.

I was deeply hurt that my sister and I received nothing. It was not so much about money, but about how we were treated. For the past 23 years, my sister and I have been the ones who cared for our grandparents the most.

Even before they moved into the house my parents built, I had already taken on the responsibility of looking after them. I went to school during the day, cooked dinner in the evening and slept beside them at night, at first to keep them company and later to make sure I could call for help in time should anything happen. Whenever my grandparents traveled, I was the one who cleaned and maintained their home.

I still remember the harsh treatment I faced back then. Once, I asked my cousin to help, only to be scolded by my father, who said it was my duty. When my grandmother returned, she too was unhappy because the house was not as spotless as she wanted.

In 2017, when I moved to Hanoi for work, my younger sister took over my responsibilities. Whenever my grandmother came to the city for medical checkups or hospital stays, I was the one who cared for her. My parents and relatives dumped everything on me as they were "too busy with work and unfamiliar with Hanoi."

I never complained because we are family. But when it came time to divide assets, they completely excluded my sisters and me—no call, no message, just quiet decisions made among themselves.

Legally, I know I have no claim over my grandparents’ or parents’ property. But emotionally, I am disappointed. They only turn to me and my sister when they need something and treat us as though we do not exist just because "daughters do not get inheritance." Even my parents kept everything secret from me and I only found out through other relatives.

Now I feel torn. Next time, I could refuse to take my grandmother to the hospital, but that would make me unfilial. I have been stressed for weeks and do not know what to do.

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.