Seeking Advice: Unreasonable Financial Demand from Estranged Mother

Dear Society Members,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Emma, and I am facing a perplexing and distressing situation that I hope to receive some guidance on from this compassionate community.

Recently, my husband, Michael, handed me a letter that has left me in a state of disbelief. The letter was from my mother, in which she demands that I pay her alimony. This request comes after years of a strained relationship, where she frequently belittled me, often telling me how foolish I was throughout my childhood. Her harsh words have left deep scars that I have struggled to heal from over the years.

Given our painful history and the emotional distance that has only grown with time, I find her demand not only unreasonable but also hurtful. The thought of providing financial support to someone who contributed so significantly to my emotional struggles seems unjust.

I am reaching out to this community for advice on how to handle this situation. Should I consider her request out of a sense of familial duty, or am I justified in refusing based on our past? How can I approach this situation in a way that respects my emotional well-being while handling the legal implications her request might entail?

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this challenging situation.

Warm regards,

Emma