Ill begin my story with the fact that Ive been living on my own for some years now. My son went off to university in Manchester, met a lovely girl there, and ended up staying. My husband and I spent many years together, but three years ago, he passed away. He was still quite young, but cancer took him from us.
Just recently, my son announced that his girlfriend is expecting, and so theyre finally planning a wedding. My happiness knew no bounds!
The only thing nagging at me was that I simply didnt have enough savings to get them a decent wedding present.
Without hesitation, I decided to visit the local solicitor and arrange for the flat to be transferred to my sons name. So long as Im here, Ill help them however I can, teach them what I know, and one day, when Im gone, theyll have a proper home of their own.
Once the neighbours caught wind of it, they tried to talk me out of it. Their main argument was that when Im gone, my son would inherit the flat anyway, so perhaps I should think about a different gift. My brother even offered to lend me some money so I could buy something else, but I refused. I figured this was the best solution for all of us. After gathering all my paperwork, I went to see the solicitor in town.
A young woman greeted me, listened intently as I explained, and then finally asked,
Youre very kind, wanting to give your son such a wonderful gift. But let me askapart from this flat, do you have anywhere else you could live if you needed to? Perhaps a cottage, or even a garage?
No, but whats that got to do with it? I asked, not really seeing her point.
She went on to tell me stories of pensioners like myself who had signed their homes over to their children, only to be left out on the street. Everything was perfectly legal, she said, so they had nowhere to turn for help.
I apologised and promised Id think it over. On my way home, I rang my brother and took him up on his offer to lend me the money. I told him all about what the solicitor said, and he was shocked that anyone had managed to change my mind.
Of course, I dont believe my son would ever toss me out, but you never know what life holds, or what sort of person his wife might turn out to be.
As it happens, theyve moved in with me after all. Now were all under one roof, waiting for the baby, and there hasnt been a single quarrel. I hope things stay peaceful. My son will have the flat, but only after Im gone.
I Went to the Solicitor to Transfer My Flat to My Son, But He Persuaded Me Not to Do It!
