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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Inheritance (or lack of). I know. Risky.

137 replies

brokeandsad · 25/05/2018 20:10

I've name changed for this as potentially outing and, well, a bit vulgar.

I know being hacked off at a lack of inheritance or parental help is generally frowned upon and broadly I agree. I'm wondering if it's ever right to feel like there has been an injustice in these matters and, more importantly, if there's anything one can do about it.

This concerns DHs family rather than mine. Which makes it feel extra awkward.

MIL was given a house at a very young age by her parents. It was a wreck and over time she's worked hard to make it amazing. Credit to her. Her house in now worth upwards of 500k. She has a very small mortgage that they used to extend/renovate. Neither she or her partner of 20 years work. They're not yet state retirement age (one is a long way off).

MIL is set to inherit an awful lot from the house sale of two older relatives, both in their late 90s.

One of these relatives has extensively talked to DH about how, when he dies, his money will help us with the deposit for our first house. He's very keen that we buy because he thinks renting is insecure and a waste of money. All his money + house sale will be left to MIL and he fully expects her to use it to help herself and help out her three children, all of them in their 30s and only one of them a home owner already.

MIL has told us in no uncertain terms that any money she inherits will be used to pay off her mortgage and the rest invested to cover any future care costs for her. DH has been told that he will have to wait "his turn" like she did.

I'm a bit bummed at again being faced with the reality that we probably won't ever be able to afford our own house, mostly because we have children and renting brings it's complications re schools etc.

Mostly I feel really uncomfortable that elderly relative and MIL seem to have very different ideas on what any inheritance will be used for. I can only think that she has lied to him, or at least been economical with the truth. I feel really awkward whenever either of them talk about money as it all seems so disingenuous and sad.

DH is similarly frustrated by our own financial circumstances (which, incidentally, we are both working very hard to turn around) but actually quite upset that his elderly relative has wishes that he thinks will be honoured but won't, and his mother is lying to everyone.

Am I BU for being frustrated by the awkwardness of it all, sad about DPs relationship with his family and cross that an old person is possibly being a bit deceived? Am I being incredibly selfish? What can we do to make the whole situation ok (it being OK isn't dependant on us getting any money, but people being honest with us and each other).

I'm awaiting a bit of a bashing but want genuine opinions please.

OP posts:
ittakes2 · 26/05/2018 06:59

On the plus side your m’n’law has been open and honest on what she intends to do - so I don’t get why if your partner is so close to this relative that he does not just talk to him about?

Roussette · 26/05/2018 07:15

I'm going to ignore your BBB (baby boomer bashing... it's tedious) and focus on your ER and MIL.

If he wanted to leave it to your DH, he would. Perhaps he has. Perhaps he doesn't really want to. If the subject is as open as you are making out, speak to him if you're so inclined.

Personally I find it rather abhorrent to be discussing what money someone is going to get before a relative has died. The person in question will do what he wants to do. If he leaves it all to your MIL, it's up to her what she does with it and it does mean ER didn't really want your DH to have it. If he had, he would've written him into the Will.

daisychain01 · 26/05/2018 07:16

I could never imagine myself ever bringing up the matter of "how much money willing you be leaving me when you turn up your toes" with anyone, no matter how close I was to them.

If this ER is so intent on making sure your DH gets a cut of his wealth, then they will write the will accordingly, not " leave it up to the MIL". That's bonkers.

Try and get on with your life in the meantime, OP, you could spend years of headspace churning this stuff over to no avail. It truly isn't worth it!

daisychain01 · 26/05/2018 07:16

how much money will you be ...

Fintress · 26/05/2018 07:17

I had some sympathy with you OP until your last, nasty, whining, entitled, mean minded rant. You started off the thread by saying you didn’t want to sound vulgar but , oh boy, that is what you are.

Yes, I feel the same way. I find it vulgar and distasteful that people are practically spending someone's money when they aren't even dead or anywhere close.

outofmydepth45 · 26/05/2018 07:17

Your husband should mention it tactfully to ER. i would be very annoyed if I trusted someone to do something and they were going against my wishes before i was even in the ground.

OP I understand your frustrations other generations don't understand that we were sold working hard will get you everywhere, don't worry the student loan is the best you'll ever have, Uni = Fab job. It all went astray and it sucks !

If MIL has a big house couldn't you live with her while you save a deposit Wink

At least as professionals you know you'll get there eventually.

And for those who waited to have children, for some that's too much of a dangerous game with increased risk of fertility problems and heath problems.

Roussette · 26/05/2018 07:19

How can you be really annoyed about something that hasn't happened. It's all surmising and assumption.

If you've got the balls to do it, tackle your ER and tell him. Totally crass but it's obviously eating you up

Mrsmadevans · 26/05/2018 08:22

You need to concentrate on the positives in your life OP. You have a house , child , partner , both employed , both healthy with the possibility of an inheritance coming your way. Sounds like a great future to me.
lf your house is rented why is it damp ? Why haven't you contacted the Landlord ? Why haven't you moved to another house ? No one is making you stay there .
You need to put your own house in order before you try to butt in on your MIL inheritance imho.

sothisisspring · 26/05/2018 08:54

I would be encouraging ER to spend his money on enjoying himself and having the best possible quality of life for the time he has left rather than worrying about what will happen after he is gone.

daisychain01 · 26/05/2018 09:38

Unfortunately some people are delusional.

They somehow think that a passing comment about buying a house being better than renting equates to them tripping over themselves to leave bucket loads of cash to them in their will.

Yup right, they really are soooo keen to do that, that's why they're actually leaving the dosh to the MIL instead. Get the elbows out and bat away the competition. You need to stake your claim and get what's rightfully your's 'in the bag' before is too late

Jeez.

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 26/05/2018 09:47

The whole family avoid confrontation at all costs. Yet MIL had no issues at all telling you exactly where the dibs were going, and assuring you that you've no chance of getting your claws on any of it?
Clearly not...

lastnightidreamtofpotatoes · 26/05/2018 10:10

You are wrong to be feeling sorry for yourself that you will never buy a house. I cannot fathom why you are outpriced in the NW with two decent wages? You made the mistake of having dc first (in terms of opportunity for home ownership) so I don't think you deserve a handout because of that. I say that as a lifetime renter too.

Badoukas · 26/05/2018 10:20

If your mil becomes flush and still watches her kids struggling she's a total cow. But it is how so many people think. Some shit about making your kids stand on their own two feet. Your mil has been profoundly fortunate, you'd think she'd share that good fortune. She might.

LannieDuck · 26/05/2018 10:29

I would find a diplomatic way of saying something to ER next time he raises the subject. I agree that a person's inheritance should be used in accordance with their wishes, and on this occasion it's clear that won't happen.

So I (or more probably DH in this situation) would have one clear conversation about how it's important for ER to leave money directly to the people he wishes to leave money t..., and after that I would leave it alone.

Guilin · 26/05/2018 10:59

I went on a course about elderly care fees this week. If your MIL has had any health concerns, such as a stroke or heart attack, then any attempt by her to give money away could be seen by her local authority, should she need to go into care later, as an intentional deprivation of assets - fraud. Some local authorities see claiming higher rate attendance allowance as proof the person is heading towards care, and any gift therefore would be an intentional deprivation of assets. There is no time limit on fraud! If she gave you cash to buy a house, then they could take legal action to recover the money; even declare you insolvent if you could not produce the money!

Any professional advisor would have to see her on her own to make sure, as safeguarding, she was not being subject to financial abuse by the family, and do a mental capacity assessment.

This was not on the course, but I suspect if your MIL went into care, and was an obvious beneficiary of ER, but instead the money went to DH, the LA could challenge the will - say I left money to 2 out of my 3 children, and the 3rd one went into care, then the LA would challenge my will and seek the 3rd’s deemed share to pay for their care.

People in good health can make gifts say to help buy a house, but really, elderly care fees need to be considered in all substantial gifts of money, shares, houses, etc now. It seems to me that the state regards all of a person’s cash, house, etc as earmarked for their care, and people should take this into account, on professional advice, before making substantial gifts and wills.

MidniteScribbler · 26/05/2018 11:05

Personally I find it rather abhorrent to be discussing what money someone is going to get before a relative has died.

I actually think that being open and honest about where an estate is going before the person passes away is a good thing. If everyone knows what is happening, then it's not a surprise, and less chance for someone kicking off after the person has passed away.

lastnightidreamtofpotatoes · 26/05/2018 11:07

In this climate I do think the MIL is sensible to plan for care. Decent care homes are extortionate and at least she is making it clear that she will not be reliant on her dc's for her care needs.

Labradoodliedoodoo · 26/05/2018 11:28

20 years ago when I bought a house I was jealous of the boomers who were my parents age. Good pensions, no debts while we lived on peanuts to afford aterrrible house.

Your own children will look at your generation as having it easier too.

Hold the pity party. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and make a plan. What can you do to improve your circumstances?

JelliedFeels · 26/05/2018 11:40

The poor man isn't even dead yet and look at all the grasping going on.You chose to have children before getting on the property ladder, not sure why you feel others should now pay for a house or deposit for you.

I come on to say this.

PurpleTigerLove · 26/05/2018 11:50

You can’t rely on verbal requests to be carried out by the benefactor of a will . The older person needs to specify want they want to happen in their will . Talk to them or accept the will . Those are your only options .

Roussette · 26/05/2018 12:13

I actually think that being open and honest about where an estate is going before the person passes away is a good thing. If everyone knows what is happening, then it's not a surprise, and less chance for someone kicking off after the person has passed away

Normally I'm all for openness but we're not talking about parents talking about their will to their children. The OP is married to someone who has an elderly uncle. It's rather far removed. I don't suppose ER worries a jot what happens after he's dead, he'll have made a will and that will be his wishes.

daisychain01 · 26/05/2018 14:47

I actually think that being open and honest about where an estate is going before the person passes away is a good thing. If everyone knows what is happening, then it's not a surprise, and less chance for someone kicking off after the person has passed away

That presupposes everyone behaves nicely and accepts decisions made and don't kick off during the person's life or worse still, coerce them or start playing shenanigans to make them change their decision. Stranger things happen.

It just prolongs the bad feeling and negativity, if people are of that mindset, giving them further airtime to vocalise their displeasure. Or like the OP, start a thread on MN to whinge about not getting their cut of the stash.

Shiftymake · 26/05/2018 18:21

*elephantscanring
You’re grasping and greedy. It’s not even your family!! Keep your sticky beak out.

Mil’s money is hers and it’s up to her what she does with it.* No, the money and goods belong to the elderly relative (ER) who is still well and alive and has told OPs DH that he wants DH to receive some of this money to help with a deposit via his mother when the time comes.

Roussette · 26/05/2018 18:26

Saying what he wants is one thing. Stipulating it in a will is another. Words are cheap in this instance.

If he wants to do it, he'll stipulate it in a will, we're not talking about an under 18 year old here!

elephantscanring · 26/05/2018 20:29

No, the money and goods belong to the elderly relative (ER) who is still well and alive and has told OPs DH that he wants DH to receive some of this money to help with a deposit via his mother when the time comes.

Hmm

So then the ER needs to make sure that's what his will says.

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