Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

[GOLDENBABE1966]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

My father in law as left his half of the house to my husband and my husbands sister , if I have got it right my husbands mother can live in the house until either she passes , is to ill to live in it or even remarries ( she is in her 80s and on the last count has had at least 4 men friends :-/ ) and I am not kidding unfortunately :-(

[leclerc]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

My father in law as left his half of the house to my husband and my husbands sister , if I have got it right my husbands mother can live in the house until either she passes , is to ill to live in it or even remarries ( she is in her 80s and on the last count has had at least 4 men friends :-/ ) and I am not kidding unfortunately :-(

Has the accounts of the estate been signed off?
Who was the executor of the will?
Was probate required at that time?

[Amethyst]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

Hiya,

Thank you for sending over the letter and will docs earlier.

With regards the will, yes you are correct, she can live in it and you cannot charge rent, or try and move in with her lol.

That letter is really nothing to worry about. It does show what you and your Husband are going through though and must be very upsetting.

She may have had a chat with a solicitor (very briefly) and she may bring a court claim but I suspect if it is anything like the letter you will be able to dispose of it quite simply.

When it comes down to it the money was a gift from your husband's father to him for the business. It was discussed after your FIL's passing with your MIL and she confirmed it was a gift and wasn't to be repaid.

Anyway, as your MIL does appear to intend that letter to be a letter before action yes you should respond so you are keeping within the preaction protocols. I would keep it short.



Dear Mother,

I am in receipt of your letter dated 7th November 2014 indicating your intention to bring a County Court action against me for £3000.

My position is as follows;

1) In xxxxxxxxxx 2010 my father, Mr xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, gave £3000 to me to assist me with the setting up of my business.
2) Mr xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx indicated to me at that time, and on subsequent occasions, that the £3000 was intended as a gift and he did not wish to be repaid.
3) On xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, following the passing of my father, I discussed the £3000 with you and you confirmed it was intended as a gift and he had never wished it to be repaid.

Please be aware I intend to defend any claim you may bring.

Yours sincerely

xxxxxxxxxxxx

[PAWS]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

Could you imagine what a judge might think of her argument! Where would it end? Parents suing children who did not get a degree after they had skint themselves to put them through college, asking for the cost of driving lessons back or the deposit for their first home! :crazy:No, this one is off its head and would simply look vexatious and petty to anyone with any common sense. Motherin Law has lost far more than £3k by doing this.

[enaid]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

she has already disowned 1 son years ago , all she lives for is her daughter and her daughters family , we didn't have time for her you see because all our family work , where as none of her daughters family work at all :-(

Me thinks the daughter may just be the one stirring all this mess.

[GOLDENBABE1966]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

Me thinks the daughter may just be the one stirring all this mess.

Unfortunately you have hit the nail on the head :tinysmile_cry_t:

[enaid]

Re: Mother in law demanding money she gave us as a gift

Well the letter Amethyst did for you is a lot more apt and professional than the one you received, I would be inclined to send it and see what happens if anything. Only if you are comfortable though carrying this on, your OH should also be ok with it.
Enaid x