WIBTA if I sue my mother?

In a family bound by a trust fund’s promise, a child’s future seemed secure—until betrayal unraveled it all. Since childhood, the OP relied on their mother to manage annual trust payments meant for college, assured that the money was safely saved. But behind the scenes, those funds fueled their mother’s mortgages and vacations, leaving nothing for the education they were promised.

When college came, the OP faced a harsh truth: their mother not only spent their trust money but secretly took out $20,000 in student loans in their name, now lingering at $16,000, tanking their credit and home loan dreams. As the mother’s empty promises to repay fade, this Reddit saga unfolds like a gut-wrenching drama, pitting family loyalty against the sting of financial fraud.

‘WIBTA if I sue my mother?’

This tale of betrayal cuts deep, exposing the pain of a mother’s financial misconduct. The OP’s mother, entrusted with managing their college fund, siphoned it for personal expenses and secretly saddled them with $16,000 in student loans. This breach of fiduciary duty, compounded by forging loans in the OP’s name, has left their financial future in tatters, blocking homeownership.

Financial expert Jean Chatzky warns, “Misusing a child’s trust fund is not just unethical—it’s often illegal, especially when it involves fraud” . The OP’s case mirrors a growing issue: 1 in 5 student loan borrowers report unauthorized loans, per a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report. The mother’s actions, including taking loans without consent, likely constitute identity theft, a crime with serious legal consequences.

The OP’s hesitation to sue stems from family ties, but the mother’s failure to repay—making only minimum payments and deferring the loans—shows little remorse. With 60% of identity theft victims facing credit damage, per Experian, the OP’s high debt ratio is a direct result of her fraud. Legal action could discharge the loans and hold her accountable, though it risks family fallout.

The OP should consult a lawyer to explore fraud claims and review trust documents, as Reddit suggests, to confirm the mother’s authority was exceeded. Filing a police report for identity theft may clear the debt. Emotionally, setting boundaries with the mother is crucial. This story highlights the need to protect financial trust, especially within families.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Reddit unanimously declared the OP not the asshole, condemning the mother’s actions as fraud and theft. They urged legal action, citing her misuse of trust funds and unauthorized loans as identity theft, which has left the OP with crippling debt and no accountability from her.

Commenters praised the OP’s father and aunt for supporting a fraud claim, emphasizing that the mother’s guilt trips shouldn’t deter justice. They stressed the long-term impact on the OP’s credit and future, agreeing that suing, though painful, is necessary to correct the financial damage she caused.

This heart-wrenching story of a mother’s betrayal and a child’s stolen future burns with raw emotion. Reddit backs the OP’s right to seek justice, but the prospect of suing family cuts deep. Have you ever faced a betrayal that forced you to choose between loyalty and fairness? Share your experiences how do you navigate when trust turns toxic?