My Boyfriend Confessed He Used My Inheritance To Pay His Bills While I Was Traveling For Work — 'Can We Come Back From This?'

Relationships come with their challenges, but some hurdles are harder to overcome than others. One woman took to Reddit seeking advice after discovering her boyfriend stole her inheritance money. 

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The woman, who remains anonymous, shared her distressing experience in the relationships subreddit:

"My (33F) BF (34M) and I have been together for over 12 years now," she begins. "About seven years ago, we were at a crossroads. His friend had passed away suddenly in an accident and he proceeded to spiral; he started trying drugs, staying out all night, engaging in very reckless behavior and it truly scared me."

The turning point in her story came recently when her boyfriend admitted to selling valuable items she inherited from her grandparents. "He tells me last week that he has been paying his personal bills by selling the things my grandparents had willed me that I had left in a safe that was hidden in the house," she recounts.

The woman's sense of betrayal is palpable. "I'm honestly in shock. It was a substantial amount, and it makes me nauseous to even try to quantify it right now. He only told me because he had figured out a way to pay me back, had gotten a stable job, and was planning on using most of his paycheck to give to me until I was made whole. But this just honestly disgusts me. I feel so violated."

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She questions the future of their relationship: "Will we be able to come back from this? Or, is this what falling out of love feels like?"

Reddit users were quick to offer their opinions, with many urging her to take legal action. One commenter advised, "You need to go to the police. He considers paying you back something that he can do at his convenience. If you break up with him (which you should because he's a thief…), he's not going to repay you because he won't get anything out of it anymore."

Another commenter added, "Just in case it isn't clear: there's no coming back from this. You can't even trust him not to touch your personal possessions that are literally in a safe. What on earth can you trust him with?"

If the woman decides to press charges, inheritance theft can lead to criminal and civil penalties. According to experts, depending on the value and circumstances of the theft, inheritance theft can be considered a felony or misdemeanor. If found guilty, the thief could face fines, jail time, or even a prison sentence.

This situation echoes other stories where individuals have faced similar betrayals. For instance, another woman on Reddit shared how her boyfriend stole her savings, leading commenters to advise that such breaches of trust often indicate deeper issues and a lack of respect.

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The poster's emotional turmoil is evident as she faces a difficult decision about her future with her boyfriend. Filing a lawsuit to recover the stolen inheritance is an option, but it is a tough call, especially when the perpetrator is a partner. The emotional strain and the complexities of taking legal action against someone she has shared her life with for over a decade can be overwhelming.

Reddit users have offered much support and advice, urging her to take decisive action. However, while the community's support is invaluable, seeking professional guidance is crucial. Financial advisors can provide expert advice on managing and protecting assets, while legal experts can offer detailed insights into the best course of action regarding inheritance theft.

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