Money Money Money

[Johann Chua]

The worst part of my grandmother dying is dealing with the estate.

Dad is the eldest son, hence we get the lion's share. Amah left us a couple of time-deposit accounts (peso and dollar at two different banks) in which my siblings and me were co-depositors. Then there's all the real estate in my aunt's name since Amah was still a Chinese citizen and couldn't own property in the Philippines. Uncle Manuel reportedly ransacked Amah's room (they live in the same house) looking for the deeds and passbooks (they were is a safe deposit box). Dad told us that Aunt Ruby sold some U.S. property in my grandfather's name by forging his signature.

Dad left the family business, Standard Mirror, to start his own because he couldn't trust his own flesh and blood. Mom was still treasurer at Standard, even after that; apparently they forged her signature as well when they reorganized. Needless to say Dad doesn't speak to his brother and sisters, though I'm on good terms with my cousins.

Dunno if lawyers will be involved at some point, but if they are it could be years till everything is sorted out in court.

[Anders]

That sounds like an awful mess. Families can get so screwed up.

I hope you get through it okay.

[Patty]

Nov 7, 2008 21:06:17 GMT -8 Johann Chua said:

The worst part of my grandmother dying is dealing with the estate.

Dad is the eldest son, hence we get the lion's share. Amah left us a couple of time-deposit accounts (peso and dollar at two different banks) in which my siblings and me were co-depositors. Then there's all the real estate in my aunt's name since Amah was still a Chinese citizen and couldn't own property in the Philippines. Uncle Manuel reportedly ransacked Amah's room (they live in the same house) looking for the deeds and passbooks (they were is a safe deposit box). Dad told us that Aunt Ruby sold some U.S. property in my grandfather's name by forging his signature.

Dad left the family business, Standard Mirror, to start his own because he couldn't trust his own flesh and blood. Mom was still treasurer at Standard, even after that; apparently they forged her signature as well when they reorganized. Needless to say Dad doesn't speak to his brother and sisters, though I'm on good terms with my cousins.

Dunno if lawyers will be involved at some point, but if they are it could be years till everything is sorted out in court.

You have my sympathies. I am expecting a similar nightmare when Michael's mother dies.

[K-Box]

You all are making me feel very grateful to have the family that I do.

[michaelpaciocco]

My deepest sympathies. This reminds me of the mess my family went through after the accident that killed my grandparents and uncle...which is something that I don't even want to discuss here because if I did, I'd start screaming

Michael

[Johann Chua]

Thanks, guys. Mom's side of the family is richer, but there doesn't seem to be anywhere near this level of drama when inheritance issues pop up. Or maybe I'm just out of the loop.

We've just got a small-scale version of the real-life soap opera involving Senator Jamby Madrigal and her late aunt's will. BILLIONS of pesos at stake, so it's a little more understandable.