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AIBU?

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Original poster

Who gets the money?

42 replies

Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 21:36

MIL died 10 years ago. She left a static caravan that she had originally bought with the purpose in mind of taking her GC (DS’s) to once they got a little older. Sadly she died before she was able to do this.

When MIL died, FIL quite understandably didn’t feel the same about the caravan and instead said he wanted to give it to DH. However, he suggested that he continued to help to pay for half of the ground rent (we paid half) so that MIL’s wishes of her GC having many happy summers there could continue.

So the caravan was signed over into DH’s name. And for 10 years we have maintained, paid utilities, insurance etc for the caravan.

Fast forward 10 years. As a family we have outgrown the caravan so a difficult decision has been made to sell it.

So my question is …
Who should the get the money from the sale?

OP posts:
TimeForTeaAndG · 01/12/2022 21:38

I'd probably split it in proportion to what's been paid by FIL / yourselves. Maybe a little bit extra to FIL since it was him and MILs money that bought it originally.

Waterlooville · 01/12/2022 21:38

FIL should. MIL bought it so you could go there (which you have done), not to give it to you.

Morechocmorechoc · 01/12/2022 21:41

I'd look at how much you each spent.

Conkersareback · 01/12/2022 21:42

Are there any other siblings?

Original poster
Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 21:44

No other siblings. DH is an only child.

OP posts:
Conkersareback · 01/12/2022 21:45

Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 21:44

No other siblings. DH is an only child.

Is DF in financial difficulty or comfortable?

crumbsneverdid · 01/12/2022 21:46

You say he 'gave it' to your husband and 'signed it over' to him. That means it's your husbands.

That said, your FIl has generously contributed a considerable amount over the years, so it would be decent to offer to split the proceeds or treat him to something nice. Do you think he would accept or expect this offer?

DuvetHugger · 01/12/2022 21:46

Why was it signed over to your dh

DrMadelineMaxwell · 01/12/2022 21:47

FIL. I know he signed over the ownership, but how much has he spent to keep helping with the ground rent for those years? Also, it will have depreciated by a fair amount in ten years, so is worth a lot less now than he could have sold it on for back then.

Greydogs123 · 01/12/2022 21:50

Can you give a proportion to acknowledge fil’s contribution to the ground rent?

nokidshere · 01/12/2022 21:50

Half each of course. Unless he hates his dad that would be fair.

AwkwardPaws27 · 01/12/2022 21:51

Could you use the money for a family holiday with FIL & the GC? Making memories, in the spirit of the original gift?

Wakeywake · 01/12/2022 21:54

Has Fil even asked for the money? Seems to me he's been very generous so far and signed the caravan over, why would he suddenly basically ask for it back?

Bobbybobbins · 01/12/2022 21:55

I would offer to split 50/50

Original poster
Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 21:55

The money will be transferred from the caravan site (who we sold it back to) into DH’s account in the next few weeks. We haven’t spoke about the money yet … just want to do what’s right.

The reason for why it was given to DH is because FIL said he didn’t want the responsibility of the caravan.

OP posts:
Whatsthestorytomorrow · 01/12/2022 21:56

Is it worth much? I know new ones are but the value does drop considerably for older ones.

I do think DH should say to FIL that it’s time to sell up and say he will give him the money. FIL will more than likely tell him to keep it but to presume it’s his might cause a fallout.

Pictograph · 01/12/2022 21:56

If it was my parents they'd insist on me having it! They are very generous though. Do you know what FIL thinks?

Original poster
Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 21:56

FIL is financially comfortable.

OP posts:
Conkersareback · 01/12/2022 21:59

Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 21:56

FIL is financially comfortable.

Then DH gets the money, he's going to get it in the long term (I assume from inheritance), so FIL should let him have it and see him enjoy it.

If you wanted to keep the caravan, he wouldn't have objected, so doesn't need the money?

Quitelikeit · 01/12/2022 22:00

morally you must tell FiL that you have sold it and ask what he would like you to do with the funds

it would be very underhand and cheeky if you just kept the money without asking him first

remember it’s not your money, and if you keep it without being offered it he might decide to disinherit your dp which sounds quite drastic but y know money does seem to bring out the worst in people

yes I’m 👀 at you! Can’t believe you even need to ask about this at all tbh

badbaduncle · 01/12/2022 22:01

My Uncle gave me a little touring caravan when my Aunt died. I sold it 10 years later and asked him and he told me to keep the money, so I sent him a case of his favourite wine and a thank you card.

KnickerlessParsons · 01/12/2022 22:03

If the van is 10+ years old you the money you'll get when you sell probably won't be worth arguing over I'm afraid.

Original poster
Staringatthetiles · 01/12/2022 22:03

underhand?
FIL is very aware of the sale, we made the decision to sell together.

OP posts:
DisforDarkChocolate · 01/12/2022 22:04

You may well have to pay someone to take it away never mind sell it.

If not 75% to FIL.

treesandweeds · 01/12/2022 22:04

Well what was decided upon when you discussed selling it?!