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Writing a Letter to Siblings

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  • 03-31-2011, 11:20 AM
    Bama
    Writing a Letter to Siblings
    My question involves defamation in the state of: CA

    If I write a letter, without accusing any sibling specifically, to three siblings about one or more of them deliberately taking my personal property, do I open myself up to a libel suit?

    Before Dad died, I lived in his home and helped to take care of him. Some property of mine was in his home. My siblings frequently visited the house and were there as well for his funeral. In the years after I moved to an apartment, I discovered certain items missing but didn't conclude that a sibling took possession of them, without my knowledge or consent, until recently. I don't expect the items to be returned (the combined value is about $110). But I still would like to put my siblings on notice, especially because two of them claim to be conservative Christians.

    Would I be making a mistaking by sending the letter and airing my grievance?

    The letter would be my first communication with them since Dad's death. One of them was particularly spiteful to me. I suspect she was the one who took my things -- she tended to act out her petty guilt by accusing others of sins she herself committed, as if the blaming of somebody else exonerated her.
  • 03-31-2011, 01:11 PM
    antrc170
    Re: Writing a Letter to Siblings
    Legally the letter should be worded so as not to be accusatory toward anyone. State that x property was located within the home and it no longer located there. During y timeframe you are aware that they were present and may have obtained the property. If any of the property was removed from the home it belongs to z and is not part of the estate. If any of these items are in your possession they are requested to be returned to y.

    ((Now, in my opinion, regardless of your current feelings toward your siblings $110 seems like a small amount to make a dramatic stance against. No one is perfect and obviously your siblings are not demonstrating some qualities that they may talk about, but that is their problem. I advice letting it go and hope that in the future a better relationship comes along.))
  • 03-31-2011, 01:15 PM
    jk
    Re: Writing a Letter to Siblings
    what do you expect to gain from this? Do you really expect the person that took the items to return them? You say no. I suggest you learn to move on with your life. Your actions are simply intended to create some reaction from your siblings which means you seem to be the one acting petty.
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