Inheritance can bring out the best—and unfortunately, the worst—in families. While most people handle the process respectfully, some siblings take a different route. Inheritance greedy siblings may manipulate, pressure, or even steal to claim more than their fair share of a loved one’s estate.
1. Sibling Pressured a Parent to Transfer Property Early
In many cases, a sibling who is geographically or emotionally close to a parent—such as a live-in caregiver—may influence them to transfer property before passing. These actions are often taken quietly and may not come to light until it’s too late.
You can challenge these transfers after the parent’s death by filing a lawsuit based on undue influence. To build a case, you’ll need to demonstrate:
Motive for the transfer (usually financial gain),
Opportunity to exert influence (such as proximity or reliance),
And evidence—often circumstantial, such as medical records or proof the sibling helped arrange legal documents.
If successful, the court may nullify the transfer and return the property to the estate.
2. Sibling Misused Power of Attorney
If your parent granted a sibling power of attorney, that sibling was legally obligated to act in the parent’s best interests. However, some inheritance greedy siblings abuse that authority by transferring assets to themselves—especially at below-market value.
This is considered self-dealing, a breach of fiduciary duty. An estate attorney can take legal action to void the transactions and hold the sibling accountable.
3. Sibling Manipulated a Parent to Change the Will
One of the most damaging actions a sibling can take is to manipulate a parent into rewriting their will to benefit them—and exclude others.
If this happened, you can contest the will by arguing undue influence. If the court agrees, it may declare the will invalid and distribute the estate under state intestacy laws, which could provide a more equal distribution among siblings.
You’ll need to prove that the parent was pressured, misled, or otherwise influenced inappropriately when the new will was created.
4. Sibling Took Property From the Estate
Sometimes, a sibling removes valuable items from a parent’s home before the official inventory is taken. This is a form of theft, and it can be challenged.
The estate’s personal representative can initiate discovery and turnover proceedings to identify and recover missing property. The court can then order the return of these items to the estate, ensuring they are properly distributed among all heirs.
5. Sibling Misused Estate Funds
If your sibling is the personal representative of the estate, they are expected to manage estate assets in a fair and responsible manner. Unfortunately, inheritance greedy siblings may use estate funds for personal benefit or mishandle assets.
If this happens, you can:
Petition to remove them as representative,
Request that they reimburse the estate for any losses,
And potentially block any questionable transactions, such as sales well below market value.
Courts take fiduciary responsibility seriously and can impose penalties for any misconduct.
Don’t Let Inheritance Greed Go Unchecked
While it’s deeply upsetting to deal with inheritance conflicts—especially involving family—there are clear legal avenues available to protect your rights. Whether you're facing undue influence, estate mismanagement, or missing assets, you don’t have to handle it alone.
At The Law Offices of Mary E. King, we understand how emotional and complex these disputes can be. Our team is experienced in estate planning and probate litigation, and we’re committed to making sure the estate is handled fairly and lawfully.
If you're concerned about inheritance greedy siblings, now is the time to act. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need.
