Mother successfully sues daughter-in-law over inheritance: legal dispute resolved, but family ties suffer

November 11, 2024 | 07:33 pm PT

Taking inheritance conflicts to court may damage family relationships. Illustration photo by Pixabay

People and children-in-law who take each other to court over inheritance disputes may see their issues resolved, but their family relationships could be damaged.

Such cases are the worst headaches for families as they should be helping each other develop as human beings, not fighting in court to divide assets.

Reader Vo Hong Hai

The above comment was left on an article about Nguyet, 84, and her daughter-in-law, Hoa, battling in court over inheritance after Nguyet’s husband and only son passed away within a year of each other. The assets to be divided include a VND8.2 billion (US$324,000) land plot and a five-story house on it.

Nguyet wanted to keep the properties, so she previously suggested paying Hoa VND1.8 billion as an alternative to her share of the inheritance, but the daughter-in-law demanded VND2 billion instead.

Unable to reach a solution, Nguyet sued Hoa and the court ruled that Nguyet only has to pay Hoa VND1.28 billion.

Many readers praised the court’s ruling while others criticized Hoa for not accepting Nguyet’s offer:

Reader chau53236:

"The daughter-in-law should have taken the VND1.8 billion. Now she only gets VND1.28 billion while also straining her relationship with the family."

Reader leah.vu.pham:

"Taking matters to court ensures fairness for everyone involved. Many people, due to pride and the fear of being ridiculed, are so afraid to sue their siblings over inheritance that they reluctantly watch as their family assets are taken by their brothers or sisters, harboring resentment over the injustice."

Reader An Raster found the case relatable:

"There is a similar case from my paternal side of the family. As soon as my uncle passed away, his wife declared that she would take the house, even though it was a gift from my grandparents before they married. During their marriage, they did rebuild part of it, but my uncle was the one who borrowed money from me to do so, not her. After nearly six months of lawsuits, my grandparents were finally able to regain the house."

What are your thoughts on the story of Nguyet and her daughter-in-law?

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