"AITA for threatening to make my cousin homeless over some trees."

In a family inheritance dispute turned sour, tensions escalated over tree removal on inherited land, leading to legal action and financial repercussions. The protagonist, inheritor of a substantial portion of land outside the city, faced off against a cousin who had built his dream home nearby. The cousin, frustrated by obstructed views from trees on the protagonist’s property, took matters into his own hands by felling ten large trees without permission.

Upon discovering the damage through trail camera footage, the protagonist confronted his cousin, only to receive an unsatisfactory explanation about the trees being diseased. Seeking justice, the protagonist consulted experts who confirmed the trees were healthy and valued at $50,000 each. Faced with undeniable evidence, the protagonist pursued legal action, involving both law enforcement and a specialized lawyer in tree law.

The legal process resulted in the recovery of the tree trunks and a financial settlement from the logging company involved, averting potential criminal charges against the cousin. However, the resolution created a rift within the family. Some members criticized the protagonist for involving the law in what they perceived as a family matter, while others supported the pursuit of justice for the stolen property.

In a negotiated settlement brokered by family elders, the protagonist received compensation from an uncle, avoiding further legal action against the cousin that could have led to financial ruin and jeopardized his livelihood. Despite efforts to replant trees, the loss of the mature woodlot remains a lasting consequence of the dispute, symbolizing the irreparable damage caused by familial discord and differing priorities regarding inherited property.

Read for more info Reddit