Family Feud: Uncle and Aunt Sue Dad for a Share of Inheritance Land

My aunt and uncle have initiated legal action to claim a portion of my father’s inherited property, which has surged in value to several billion Vietnamese dong—equivalent to around US$39,000 per billion—as land values have increased.

My grandfather and grandmother had four offspring; my dad was the firstborn among them, succeeded by my uncle and then their two sisters.

For more than ten years following my grandparents' passing, my uncle along with my two aunts would provide offerings and financial contributions each time my parents arranged their memorial ceremony.

The annual gathering was consistently organized with generosity and consideration since my parents viewed it as a chance for the whole extended family to come together. Celebrations of anniversaries were invariably happy occasions, free from any disagreements among brothers, sisters, and other relations.

However, in recent years, the event has become a conflict-ridden occasion, and the family no longer gathers as before.

Only my parents and my youngest aunt gather to hold the ceremony, while my uncle and older aunt decide to hold their own separate anniversary. This is against tradition as only the eldest son should hold such ceremonies.

The reason for this divide is straightforward: the property inherited from my grandparents. The parcel of land allocated to my family falls within an urban development area, and its worth has skyrocketed to multiple billions of dong if put up for sale.

Even though my uncle was allocated his own piece of land, he pressed my father to divide his share. My elder aunt supported this idea and expressed her desire for a part as well. Given that my father isn’t selfish, he willingly consented to grant some of his inheritance to my uncle; however, he firmly stood his ground to receive exactly half of what had been divided.

The tension rose significantly when my father declined, stating that it was unjust because my uncle had already received his portion. Consequently, my uncle and aunt took legal action by filing a lawsuit.

The conflict has persisted for many years, and the court still hasn't resolved the issue because of numerous complexities. In the meantime, my parents have severed all connections with the pair.

I think it's not only my parents and extended family members who feel sorrow over this emotional divide; maybe even the spirits of my grandparents are disturbed as well.

Each time I come back to my hometown for my grandparents' memorial ceremony, my heart is weighed down by sorrow, yearning for the gatherings and happiness we once shared.

Emotional divides and familial disagreements are prevalent in numerous households within my village. These issues have largely arisen from recent arguments over asset distribution and finances.

When discussing this with my mother, she mentioned that in numerous other villages, particularly those experiencing urbanization, disputes over property often arise. inheritance distribution are also breaking family bonds.

My mother also shared that on her side of the family, her two uncles no longer speak to each other because of land disputes and hold separate anniversaries for their parents.

As a daughter who was wedded out, my mother must assist the oldest uncle during customary rituals even though she didn't wish to be aligned with either party.

Here I'm sharing some tales to illustrate the tremendous influence that property and finances wield, and how they are undermining the significance of familial ties in a manner that is truly disheartening and alarming.

Humans are intended to cherish each other, particularly brothers and sisters. Why would anyone want to break these bonds over possessions that won't be of use to them once they pass away?

*The translation of this story into English was aided by AI technology. The opinions expressed by readers are their own and may not align with those of VnExpress.*