My parents married me at age 17 to my husband who was 32. My husband died 10 years ago and I have 3 children. Neither my parents nor my brothers or sister came to my aid even though every one is financially secure. They stopped calling in fear I might ask them for financial assistance. I own my house in US with over $350,000 mortgage because of my children’s education.

On my recent trip to India after 22 years, I found out my father has transferred 2 real estate parcels to both of my brothers. Both are valued at over Rs.100,000,000. One parcel is located in Jayanagar which my elder brother had it as joint ownership with my father. Then his wife and himself contributed monies to construct a house which is rented now and later the land was gifted to my brother and registered. Rent is being collected and deposited into my brother and sister-in-laws account. My father was to receive 50% of rent and my brother 50%. since the transfer my brother has not paid my father any money.

The other parcel located in Rajajinagar consists of a large home (which my parents live in) and 2 rental units earning Rs. 12,000 and commercial rent long lease of 10,000(Reliance tower). This property currently in my mother’s name who has 6th grade education who plans on leaving it to my younger brother. My younger brother has numerous other properties in Bangalore and in US. He does not need the money. When he visits India he primarily stays with his in-laws and visits my parents for few hours. My parents are from old school and claim they can do what they want with their property.

My parents had asked me to sign a paper saying that I did not have any claim to the property approximately 15 years back, which I had refused. My sister signed the paper as well as my 2 brothers. My father worked for PWD - with LCE as an engineer with my mother never working or inheriting any property. My father received distribution from a property from my grandmother which was split between my father and his older brother. My brothers have not contributed any financial assistance to my parents in acquiring either of the properties.

At present my mother is 77 and my father 80 live by themselves. Since I am a widow with 3 children I wanted to move back to India and take care of them. Since all my siblings are with their spouse who is working they do not have any intention of living with my parents at this time.

I have contributed financially, emotionally and physically living with my siblings and caring for them. They never contributed any emotional or moral support or any financial assistance to me while my husband was bed ridden for 4 years. I have helped my parents with my sister’s wedding, contributed jewelry clothing and other expenses. No one ever compensated me for anything including immigration expenses. I was unlucky to be part of this ungrateful family. However, I am in the process of seeking legal assistance to see if there is any chance for me to get some financial settlement from my parent’s inheritance.

I thought Hindu laws dictate that daughters are entitled to fair share. Does my children have any rights to this property? Please advise.

We have exchanged a contract for buying a house on 19 september 09 and according to our contract the house was subject to vacancy and settlement date was due on 29 October09

At the date of settlement we were informed that the tenant has got a contract to stay there till April 2010 and does not intent to move out.

BTW the real estate agent was aware of this matter and did not say a single word about it, I have written documents and a wittness to confirm this.

We are in a tough situation, what is the law for this issue?

Thanks for your help