This 20-Year-Old Became The “Chosen Heir” - And His Family Immediately Turned On Him

When Reddit user u/InheritanceVbrother found out he’d been named the primary heir to his grandparents’ trust, he probably expected some tension. What he didn’t expect was his entire extended family practically circling him like it was a reality show finale, and he was holding the last rose.

The 20-year-old OP received the largest share of the inheritance, significantly more than his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The catch? He can’t touch a cent until he turns 22.

That hasn’t stopped his relatives from trying to convince him to sign it over now. According to the OP, many of them have been living comfortably off his grandparents’ money for years and are less than thrilled about the new distribution.

But here’s where things take a turn. Three years ago, his 7-year-old half-brother—born from his father’s affair—showed up at their doorstep after his mother passed away.

The child has reportedly been treated like an outsider ever since. The OP says he’s the only family member who genuinely looks out for the boy.

Now his parents have made a shocking offer: they’ll sign over custody of his little brother in exchange for the inheritance. The OP refused, saying he plans to fight for custody once he has access to the funds and can afford strong legal support.

His aunt claims that waiting two more years will emotionally damage the child. The OP, who lives in Asia and says the legal system is complicated, is left wondering: is protecting the inheritance the smart move—or is he risking too much by waiting?

His parents made a shocking offer: they’ll sign over custody of his little brother in exchange for the inheritance.

AI-generated image

Here’s the original post by Reddit user u/InheritanceVbrother.

I (20 m) got the largest share of inheritance from my grandparents trust who declared me their 'heir.' The rest of my family got some inheritance also, but mine is considerably larger than anyone else's. The money is basically untouchable for me until I become 22.As most of my family (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc) have been living extremely luxuriously on my grandparents money and not really working, they are not happy with the way the estate has been distributed and are trying to make me sign over the money. Here's where it get's complicated. I have a half brother (7 m) from my father's affair. Three years ago his mother died and he showed up on our doorstep.I can kind of get why my mother and her family hate him, but it's not his fault he's just an innocent kid. As an illegitimate child he's really bullied and looked down on by my stupid snobbish family. The only one who cares about him at all is me. My parents have offered to sign over custody to me now in exchange for the inheritance. I refused because I figure I will be able to sue for custody once I have the inheritance (can hire good lawyers) and raising a kid is expensive, I need everything I can get for him. My aunt says I am the asshole because two more years of my brother living as a bastard child while I'm in college will destroy him, and I can save him if I just give up my inheritance. (first time poster)Edit: for those asking, I live in Asia (sorry I don't want to be more specific in case this somehow get's sent to my relatives, some of my cousins basically just live for social media).I really appreciate everyone's advice but the legal system where I live is a bit different (and crooked if I'm being honest)Update: [https://www.reddit.com/user/InheritanceVbrother/comments/rx5ryp/update/](https://www.reddit.com/user/InheritanceVbrother/comments/rx5ryp/update/)

Let’s see how the Reddit community reacted.

BlueVestige

NTA.

Inevitable_Swim_1964

You should get a lawyer.

EdutechLugie

Finish school, then fight for custody.

FairyFartDaydreams

Your parents sound awful.

bunkbedgirl1989

Your family are heartless.

xpotential31

You’re a saint!

imaginefaggens

Keep the money!

Akhlrr

Get CPS involved if need be.

Butterscotch894

Get everything in writing.

Financial-Orange-401

It’s your money!

pstansel

Respect your grandparents wishes and keep the money.

meruhd

They tried to sell you a child!

DefrockedWizard1

In the end, the OP isn’t just holding onto an inheritance—he’s holding onto a plan. Whether that makes him strategic or selfish depends on who you ask, but one thing’s clear: this isn’t really about money, it’s about control.

Now he’s stuck in a waiting game, balancing two years against a lifetime of consequences. The real question is whether protecting his future is the very thing that could ultimately protect his brother’s, too.