Ex-MIL claims we owe her money - What to do?!

heuchera

Lynxe wrote: »

She wants the full amount from partner, claiming nothing back from her son as she claims my partner abandoned her son after using him and the family for their childcare and a roof over her head while she trained in uni, and now she's qualified she has abandoned them. IF we do have to pay, can we insist on only paying half, as the support was offered to both parents (if that makes sense?)

Any help appreciated.

She can insist.. but I doubt she'd get anywhere. If what she says is true (and granted it's likely to be biassed) then I don't blame her for being angry, but getting money back from errant ex-friends and family members is legally very difficult to do.

duchy

You have the text from her son confirming there was no loan and it was a gift.
I'd do absolutely nothing beyond a letter clearly stating that at no time did she tell you it was a loan to pay for the care of HER grandchild- and as far as you are concerned the matter is closed .

If she wants to take you to small claims -let her. Best scenario - the judge finds in your favour- matter closed- worst scenario you lose (which is very unlikely) and you plead poverty and offer to pay it off at £5 a month.

getmore4less

one convenient things with loans to get them paid back you need to have agreed payment terms.

clearly there never were any(because it really was a gift).

A loan with no payment terms can't be called in on demand.