Some years ago, my mother-in-law’s mother passed away. She had been ill for quite some time, bravely battling her illness. During those difficult months, my mother-in-law seemed to have made her peace with the inevitable, and began to arrange matters concerning inheritance. She persuaded her mother to draw up a deed of gift for her flat.
It was a two-bedroom flat in a desirable area of town, located on the ground floor. Conveniently, there was a grocery shop nearby as well as a bus stop. Such a location would suit anyone interested in propertyit was perfect for opening a small shop or perhaps a beauty parlour. Many business-minded folk came to her, offering to buy the flat, trying to convince her of its potential. It truly was a golden opportunity for those in trade. But my mother-in-law refused their proposals, telling us that the flat was meant for our family.
When we learnt of her intended gift, we could hardly contain our joy. We had been living with our daughter in rented accommodation for years, always longing for a place of our own. Suddenly, we found ourselves with a two-bedroom flat, free from the worry of rent. Embarrassingly, we began packing our things the very moment grandmother was admitted to hospital. Yet, it turned out grandmother’s wish was to leave the flat only to her grandson, my husband.
In no time at all, my happiness turned to disappointment and deep sorrow. The documents showed that my mother-in-law had left the flat solely to my husband. Neither I nor my daughter had any legal claim to the property. I felt quite unsettled. I had lived with her son for eight years and given birth to our daughterher granddaughter, whom it seemed meant nothing to her. Suddenly, it felt as though we were strangers to my mother-in-law. It was painful, for I had never been anything but cordial to her. She had always been like a second mother to me; I sought her advice and we even chose our daughter’s name together. But evidently, I was not someone she trusted.
I struggled for days to muster the courage to speak to my husband about my feelings. Shocked, I finally managed to explain the cause of my distress. As it happened, my husband knew all along. His mother had told him everything.
Try to understand, Mum simply feels more at ease this way, he said.
Since then, I have felt no inclination to refurbish the flat. It doesnt feel as though I have any right to be there at all.
I remain at a loss, uncertain how to proceed. They now treat me as though I am of no consequencea stranger in their home. The sense of alienation is unpleasant, and I find myself doubting my place in the family and my trust in my husband. A friend advised that I see a solicitor for guidance.
But will that really make a difference?
