8 brutal signs a family member is acting nice just to secure their inheritance

It’s no secret that money can complicate relationships, especially when it comes to family.
Imagine this: a relative showers you with compliments and gifts, yet their gestures feel oddly calculated.
Could their kindness be masking a deeper motive? Inheritance disputes bring out behaviors that might seem harmless at first but later reveal a chilling reality—manipulation for financial gain.
From sudden interest in a wealthy elder’s health to excessive flattery, such signs are more common than you think.
Understanding these patterns can help you protect your family dynamics and financial legacy.
Let’s dive in:
1) Sudden interest in your life
Family bonds are a beautiful thing, but when a relative who’s been distant suddenly takes an intense interest in your life, it may raise some eyebrows.
This newfound interest can come in various forms – frequent phone calls, surprise visits, or a barrage of messages asking about your wellbeing.
While it’s possible they’ve genuinely realized the value of family connection, you might also need to consider the possibility that they’re buttering you up for their own gain.
When this intense interest is coupled with probing questions about your financial status or estate plans, it could be a sign they’re trying to secure their inheritance.
Remember, genuine care comes without strings attached.
If there’s a hidden agenda, it will always manifest itself in one way or another. Beware of this sign and tread carefully.
2) Frequent reminders of their devotion
In my own experience, I noticed a pattern with my cousin John.
We weren’t particularly close growing up – we saw each other on holidays and that was about it. However, when my grandparents started to age, John’s behavior took a sudden shift.
It started with phone calls, then weekly visits, and before I knew it, he was stopping by their house every day. However, the clincher wasn’t just his presence but the constant reminders of his devotion.
He’d always make sure to mention how he was the only grandchild who visited regularly.
Phrases like “no one cares about you two like I do” or “I’m the only one who takes time out of their busy schedule to be here” became his mantras.
The change was so drastic and felt so staged that it sparked suspicion. His actions seemed less about genuine care for our grandparents and more about ensuring his place in their will.
3) They become overly generous
It’s a strange paradox: those who have their eyes set on an inheritance often start giving gifts themselves.
You might find your family member suddenly showering you with presents, offering to pay for dinners, or even footing the bill for family vacations.
Psychologically, this is a method of reciprocity – a social norm where if someone does something for you, you feel obligated to return the favor.
In this case, the favor they’re hoping for is a larger slice of the inheritance pie.
4) They start playing the ‘favorite’ card
An old trick in the book of manipulation is to play the ‘favorite’ card.
Suddenly, your relative might start recalling fond memories, emphasizing how they were always the favorite grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin.
They might dig up old photos, letters, or gifts to show their close bond with the person whose inheritance is in question.
They may even go a step further by subtly undermining other family members to portray themselves as the most deserving.
However, keep in mind: being a favorite doesn’t necessarily translate into being entitled to a larger share of an inheritance.
If you notice this behavior, it’s wise to keep a cautious eye on their actions moving forward.
5) They avoid discussing their own financial situation
Sometimes, the signs are not in what relatives do, but what they don’t do. If a family member is evasive or vague about their own financial situation, it may be a red flag.
Maybe your cousin is always willing to lend an ear when you talk about your investments, but never opens up about her own.
Or perhaps your brother is quick to discuss your parent’s estate plans but changes the subject when asked about his job or savings.
In situations like these, it’s crucial to remember that financial matters within a family should be based on transparency and trust.
6) They start creating alliances within the family
I remember when my Aunt June began to show a sudden interest in her siblings’ children, my cousins.
She started inviting them over for weekend trips, hosting family dinners, and even offering to babysit their kids. It seemed heartwarming at first until it became clear that she was creating alliances.
She would subtly pit us against each other, spreading rumors and causing confusion.
It was as if she was trying to rally troops for a future battle over inheritance.
This art of alliance creation can be quite complex and damaging to family relationships.
If you notice that a family member is causing division within the family or playing favorites among the younger generation, it could be a sign they’re trying to secure their inheritance through manipulation.
In such cases, it’s important to stay vigilant and encourage open communication among all family members.
7) They start making promises
Promises are a common tool in the manipulator’s toolkit.
If a family member starts making promises about how they will use the inheritance, it could be a sign of their ulterior motives.
Maybe they’re promising to take care of the family home, pledging to support younger family members financially, or even vowing to carry on a family business.
While these promises may sound noble, it’s important to scrutinize their intentions.
8) They become overly concerned about legal documents
One of the most telling signs is when a family member begins showing an unusual interest in wills, estate plans, and other legal documents.
They might start asking questions about the details of these documents or even insist on being present when these matters are discussed.
While it’s normal to have some curiosity, an excessive interest could indicate they’re trying to control or influence the division of the inheritance.
Final thoughts:
When we delve into the heart of the matter, it’s important to remember that we’re talking about family.
These are people that we’ve grown up with, shared memories with, and likely hold a special place in our hearts.
Yet, it’s these close bonds that can make the sting of manipulation around inheritance all the more painful. It’s not just about money or possessions, but trust, respect, and mutual care.
The signs we’ve discussed may be brutal, but they serve as reminders to uphold the values that truly matter in a family.
They encourage us to stay vigilant, promote open communication, and foster genuine relationships that aren’t tainted by hidden agendas.
Inheritance is a sensitive topic and one that has the potential to tear families apart. But it’s also an opportunity for us to stand together as a family, ensuring fairness, transparency, and respect for everyone involved.
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