Money Moral Dilemma: Should my sister-in-law give up her house after her husband's death?

tenuissent

"Why did it not form part of your divorce settlement"


Because I refused the good advice I was given. I didn't want an adversarial divorce - I just wanted to go away quietly and maintain good relationship between my children and their father. He gave me enough money to buy a small cottage (this was mid 80s before such things became unaffordable) that we could all live in, and some rather low maintenance. I was also able to earn a modest living. Sorry, this is becoming slightly off the main subject.

gloriouslyhappy

Tabbytabitha wrote: »

If you answer a question, normal practice is to quote the question you're answering rather than to leave your answer floating loose in the ether.:D.

Point noted, thanks :-)

gloriouslyhappy

humptydumptybits wrote: »

I know a family with a similar situation. Dad died, step mother was entitled to live in the house till death but she was the one who wanted to downsize. There was some upset as if she sold her step-children were entitled to the money so nothing to buy her a new home. Eventually commonsense prevailed, she got her downsize and her step-children got some of their inheritance and waited till her death for the rest. I could never understand what their objection was as it seemed beneficial to all concerned to let her sell and downsize.

In my case, my sister-in-law doesn't want to move out of the house. That would be the simple option as the step-children would prefer her to downsize now and give them the difference in cash between the proceeds of the sale and the cost of the new house. It does seem like it would be beneficial all round but for the fact that she does not want to move out of the house.

gloriouslyhappy

As of today, and having read all the opinions given in response, with the first anniversary of his death coming up, she has decided to wait until six months after the anniversary before making any decisions. She says that will give her next spring and summer in her garden and time to think more clearly about where she might want to move to or indeed, if she wants to move at all.

The step-children have been informed of her decision and I'm told they appear to be accepting this with reasonable grace.

Thank you again to everyone who has responded, all the opinions have been very helpful.