I Inherited Part Of A Property And Now My Family Wants Me To Give It Up

Location: Texas

About six months ago my great-aunt passed away. We weren't especially close, but she left a percentage of a piece of family property to several relatives, including me.

The property isn't worth millions or anything. Based on what I've been told, my share would probably be somewhere around $20,000-$30,000 if it were sold. I haven't received anything yet because the estate is still being handled.

The problem is that almost immediately after everyone found out about the inheritance, some relatives started contacting me. Their argument is basically that I didn't have much of a relationship with my great-aunt and that other family members "deserve" the money more because they spent more time helping her over the years.

At first it was just comments. Then phone calls. Then people started suggesting I sign paperwork giving up my share. One relative even sent me a draft document and told me it would be the "right thing to do."

I never asked for this inheritance. I had no involvement in the will. My great-aunt chose how she wanted her estate distributed. As far as I know, she was mentally competent when everything was signed and there are no disputes about the validity of the will.

The pressure is getting exhausting. I've stopped answering some calls because every conversation turns into a discussion about why I should give away money that legally belongs to me.

My question is whether there is any legal risk in simply refusing to sign anything. Can relatives force this issue somehow, or is this just family pressure? Also, is there anything I should avoid saying or signing while the estate is still being processed?