Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay my sister half the money our deceased father gave me?

WIAWSNB

As Katecooks said above, what was their father's intention.
That is what matters.
If that is known to a reasonable degree, then that should determine what to do.
Based on what we've been told, it was a specific gift to one offspring to help them out. That was the intent.
The Will goes on to state the testator's further intent.
Also based on what we've been told, the OP needs this money more than his sister - that's the moral element, if it's required.
That's it.
I'm staggered at so many folk trying to suggest the OP hands over a wad of cash to prevent their sister falling out with them. Blood is not thicker, it just isn't. Folk are worth what they actually are as human beings.
I also don't get the 'Will must be divided equally' nonsense. Again, that will rarely be a benefactor's true belief, even if it's their written intent, as they will know who is more deserving, or more in need.
You can demonstrate that moral truism with a nanosecond's reasoning;
One offspring is a wasted drug addict, or is constantly in debt because they like the latest car, the other is a schoolteacher and lives within their means. Are they equally deserving?
One married a city banker, drives a Porsche and sends their kids to private school, the other married a teacher, does charity work and drives an ailing C4 Picasso.
Take that to whatever logical conclusion you need to to arrive at the answer - you don't hand over cash to someone who doesn't need it to keep them your 'friend', or to salve their guilt-trip. Is that 'moral'? 
The dad's intention is known, unless there was evidence to the contrary. Stick with it. Let the others react as they will - it'll evidence their true calibre.

Seakay

In my eyes she would be owed £30,000 (plus interest) for equity of distribution of your father's money.

She's asked for half of what you have already had and no interest. That doesn't sound greedy.

The fact that you "need money" (in spite of living mortgage free for years) is not relevant. 

You signed a piece of paper to show receipt of the money - did your father require that to show that you acknowledged taking your inheritance early? Did he assume that this was a form of codicil?
If not, then he obviously wanted to give you a generous gift which has nothing to do with inheritance.
If he did then you should be aware of it (the wording on the paper you signed might be a clue) and (morally) should divide the inheritance accordingly.

The will being as you described, there is no reason to give up your inheritance. You have a solicitor on your side, why are you seeking public approbation for the course of action you seem to have already decided to take?

addacomment

Firstly I hope it was more than 7 years ago .... if not you have inheritance tax to pay.     Secondly you have paid off your mortgage so what could you possibly NEED the extra £15,000 for? 
  My parents have at different times given my brother and myself help towards house purchases .....  but we both are happy that it was 'even Stevens' over time.  If in the will your father left you half each then I'm sure he wanted you both to be treated equally. 
legally you don't owe your sister anything ....  but how would starting a war with your sister honour your fathers generosity? 

Maria9995

Absolutely! The same thing happened to me with an Aunt who gave my brother a total of £30k and it caused lots of family issues. When she died my brother gave me the extra £15k from her estate - and that would have been against her wishes as he was her favourite! I’m sure your father didn’t intend to be unfair to your sister. Yes there’s no legal right but it’s the decent thing to do. 

Jemma01

I feel like we're missing what the conversation was between the father and both sisters. He might have promised her the same but passed away before. If he didn't, then I don't see why she's bringing this up (coming from someone who's dad gifted two houses to my brothers, and paid a lump sum towards my sister's house and monthly contributions until mortgage paid). Roles are the opposite for me, and I love my dad more than anything in this world and no money will get in the way between my siblings and I)

WillowLeaf

Lots of posts saying the OP might lose the relationship with the sister if they don't pay up, but what about the sister asking for the £15k? She doesn't seem concerned at losing the relationship by asking.

I wouldn't dream of asking for money I wasn't entitled to.

NorfolkNanny

This is supposed to be about a moral dilemma.  Morally you should give your sister the £15k.  You will be receiving money from your father's estate so you can afford it now.  Also as someone has already pointed out, you have also benefitted from having that money for a few years and saved interest on your mortgage.  I think it is irrelavant whether your sister needs the money or not.  This is about fairness - and not falling out with your sister over money.

3304

I have given my daughter £20,000 to help her get onto the housing ladder. My eldest son and his wife have been on the ladder for sometime now and are on good incomes. My youngest son is currently buying his own house to rent out as he is in the armed forces. He is single and on a good income. My daughter works hard as does her partner and they have two young children but previously being in rental meant they had no way saving the deposit needed. 

I have been very open with my sons about this and have been fully supportive. If I give them their share now then that will virtually wipe out my savings. I live on my own and have just retired. 

If in the years to come I can, I will give them their share when I’m still alive.  if not then we have all agreed that the boys will have £20,000 out of my estate before it is split three ways. They are joint executors anyway. Whether or not my boys don’t need it as much as my daughter, my daughter is adamant this will happen 
I am happy that the morals my kids have and always had will mean that they will follow this through 

Annaf_2

I don’t agree with the idea that you should pander to your sister and pay her just to keep the relationship.  Don’t pay her, the money was given to you, there is no wish on your fathers part that she should benefit in any way from the £17,000.  Your sister is obviously greedy and manipulative and would see you broke just to get her hands on money not meant for her; you’re better off without her, cut her loose, she sounds awful.

Ed264

NO. Your sister agreed with the arrangement at the time. It's possible she will inherit a sum of money anyway once probate is sorted.