Shall I sell the children or not?

[SHRIIIEEEKPoolingBearBlood]

Just had an email from mum:
"Hi Stealth

Grandad has asked whether he could buy the children "

So am in a quandry, as you can imagine.

Pros:

• full night's sleep
• could probably negotiate a decent sum for them
• I would mop the kitchen floor weekly, like a normal person

Cons:

• is it legal?
• My Grandad is lovely and very fit for his age, but he is nearly 87 - could he cope with the demands of a 3yo and a 1yo?
• How to convince DH -really don't think he'd go for it
• I might, you know, miss them

Any advice greatly appreciated

I think you really need to know exactly what offer is on the table before you can flat out refuse. Times are hard......

hmmm, difficult. Could you work out a form of lease and lend? He is nearly 87 as you said, he may be inclined to hand them back soonish anyway. Insert a large cash penalty in case of early surrender.
Tell DH they have scholarships to Eton.

What will you spend the money on?

So you think I need to open the way for negotiations?
I am a little surprised, he has had 3 of his own, and his eldest, my dad, is coming up to 60. Suppose he must just have decided his orderly, sedate, relaxed life was missing something.

I'm not good with contracts. But yes, a long term lease may be the way to go.

Would he settle for mine if you don't go for it?! I'd do a very good deal.

I think the leasing idea is definately the way to go.

I'll ask ci, but you know how it is when you know what it is you want? Anything else seems like second best, even when it's just as good.
I have emailed mum back telling her to get his lawyers to give me a call with some figures.

Negotiations sound good - maybe a trial week just to see if its feasible

if yours are too expensive he can have mine for nothing, although the early return penalty would still apply!

are you trying to undercut me

i believe its called gazundering! you know market forces and all that

I think as long as he was prepared to pay a fair price for them, then yes, go for it. Just make sure the contract is watertight though, in case he changes his mind after a couple of weeks and you're already (understandably) sunning youself in the Maldives with a good book and a nice cocktail. You don't want to have to give all that up for the sake of your children.

well exactly
Right, that's decided, going for it