PIL and new house

[Ttcfirsttime]

AIBU here? Basically my partner and I are in our early twenty’s and are getting on the property ladder, so we have been in the process of buying our first house (a 3 bedroom terrace in an ok area but needs a fair bit of cosmetic work). We were looking to rent at first as we needed a home ASAP as I am pregnant. My partners parents let us stay with them on the condition that we don’t rent and instead we save for a mortgage. We were told if we saved in my partners step mothers account they would keep the money for us and double it (very generous). However the day of completion my partners step mother and father first refused to give us any money including the bits I had put into the account. Which we were going to pay our solicitor bill with in order to complete. Luckily I knew trusting people with money is not the wisest idea and had my own savings also which we managed to pay the solicitor bill with. However his father then allowed us to have about two thirds of the money that we had saved in there (so not even our contribution nevermind the fact they said they’d double it). There had been no mention of it before this that there were any issues with us getting the money etc until day of completion so it was obviously unnecessary stress. We now have the house and are in the process of doing the kitchen before we move in (only paint etc) so will only be a few days. His family have been invited to see the house but don’t want to. No congratulations to us etc. We haven’t mentioned the money since as thought it was unnecessary to cause an issue out of it currently as there’s not a lot we can do about it right now. Although his step mother did write and sign a letter promising the money (and the extra they were giving us) which was sent to the solicitor as proof of funds a long time ago. Aibu to actually be seething about this? And WIBU to ask my partner to address this situation? As we are now about to move and I am due my baby in a couple of months. Or should I just move on from this situation and keep the peace for the sake of family. Just to add my family have been extremely supportive , got us appliances, offered money to help decorate, offered to actually help with the decorating etc.

So they are refusing to give you the money you have saved?

Defo needs addressing, I wouldn’t hold my breath over the apparent doubling but I’d defo want the money saved back.

Are you saying they have stolen your money? That you saved in their account and they kept a third of it?

You need to ask them outright for the money. They may not now double it but if it is your money (and assuming it is still there), they need to give it back.

If they don't make payment, county court proceedings

So they stole your money yet was still invited to see your new home???
That makes zero sense....

It was crazy of you to ever agree to depositing money in someone else's account on the promise of them "doubling it". Did you never pause to ask why the money had to go into their account? If they were willing to be so generous as to double it, wouldn't a statement of your own account have sufficed?

At this stage you should just ask for your money back. If they refuse, then for me that becomes a huge issue and a NC-type scenario.

You don't rob from your kids. Period.

I would have demanded that money back at the first sign of them withholding it. You and DP need to get it back, it’s yours and you need it now. They have no right to keep it back. I wouldn’t even be asking them into my new home either.

They’ve spent your money.

Oh dear. Not a good idea to pay money into someone else’s account to save. Still you should have been able to trust your PIL. They have stolen from you!

Are these conversations you've had directly with your PIL or are they proxy through your DP? If the latter, I would be highly suspicious of your DP's honesty. This sounds unbelievably far-fetched to be the whole story. My gut feeling is your DP has spent this money.

You've been robbed. You won't see the money.

I don't understand why the money needed to be in your stepmothers account? You lost me at that bit ! If they wanted to double your deposit, normally you'd say "how much have you saved?" then double it. Why would you be paying into her account? Utter madness! I saved for our house deposit if my in laws had made such a ridiculous suggestion I'd of said no (these are trustworthy people too!) it's just a bizarre request.

I'd be asking for my money back and if it's not forthcoming I'd pursue it further.

”We were told if we saved in my partners step mothers account they would keep the money for us and double it (very generous)”

Why would they need your money in her account for anything other than sinister motives? You have been very silly.

”Luckily I knew trusting people with money is not the wisest idea”

Why’d you do it then?’

Wtaf? They’ve basically stolen your savings! You need to say something, thieving gets.

They've stolen your money, simple.

Get your partner to deal with his parents disgusting behaviour.

I'd be asking them to meet you both tomorrow at a cafe, then say you are going with them straight to the bank for a statement showing the balance followed by a full withdrawal of your savings tomorrow.
Have your mobile in your pocket and film / record the conversation.
There's no law against filming someone in a public place.

PIL need a shake down. Send in the heavies!
But in all seriousness they cannot do that. They've spent your money I think, like pp have said. I really hope they haven't though. Rotten thing to do either way.

Your husband has to tell them to repay your money. They have stolen it. It needs addressing asap.

omg this is awful OP .. you must get this money back

Why on earth did you put your savings into PIL account? They have stolen your money! You need to get your partner to grow a backbone and demand your money back or you will go to the police.

They set out to fleece you. Tell them you want the rest of the money you paid into the account within a week or you will take legal advice about getting it back. Tbh I think that would be difficult as you've paid it into their account by choice but trying to scare them is your best shot. And don't bother 'keeping the peace for family'. They stole from you. They're not worth it.

Stop being a walkover and get your money back. If they're like this now, they're not going to get any better when you're vulnerable with a small baby to look after. Lay down some rules and stick to them. I'd personally go NC. They seem like selfish b*stards.

Your DP need to ask them for the rest of the money, if they don’t hand it over then cut them off. I know that’s harsh but if they’ve stolen from you, you don’t need them anywhere near you.

Ps. I don't think you can get your money back through legal channels as you voluntary sent money over. You can use the legal angle as a scare tactic though.

If your MIL wrote and signed that letter, then threaten her with legal action to recover your money. That would be the last time I ever spoke to either of them. You were mad to trust them, and I hope you've learned your lesson. However, now you need to recover this money and legal action is the way. If you cannot afford a solicitor, then go for small claims. And be prepared to follow up an solicitor's letter with the appropriate legal action. That is theft!