Coping with grief and losing a partner is a daunting experience, and moving on can be particularly hard. Our reader Donna has rediscovered love following her husband’s passing and is now expecting her first baby. However, her circumstances have become more complex: Donna lives in a property owned by her in-laws, who are displeased with her plans to introduce her new partner into their home. With this conflict at hand, the expectant mother has reached out to us for guidance.Donna’s letter:
My in-laws let us live in their second house when we got married. Soon after, my husband got sick and passed away before we could start a family. My in-laws supported me and told me I could continue living there. Four years later, I found love again and am now pregnant. My boyfriend doesn’t own a place and will move in. However, my mother-in-law thinks that I’m insulting her son. She literally said, “Bringing another man there is an insult to my son!” She wants me to move out. My father-in-law was quiet. Yesterday, I was stunned to find a large box of my clothes on the porch.
I got a call from an unknown number telling me that my father-in-law has put the house up for sale. She told me that I have a month to collect the rest of my belongings and move out. I am shocked and furious. Was I expected to remain a widow for life just to have a roof over my head?- Donn..Thank you for your message, Donna. Here are a few ideas that might help you manage this situation. Obtain legal counsel as soon as possible.Consult with an attorney to clarify your legal rights concerning the property and any eviction notice. Given that your father-in-law has listed the house for sale, a lawyer can guide you through the legal procedures, confirm that you receive adequate notice, and possibly assist in negotiating for extra time or compensation if needed. Keep detailed records of everything.Maintain thorough records of all interactions with your in-laws, lawyer, and any other relevant parties.