Gift comes back to haunt (Advice)

Jan Warner and Jan Collins

Orlando Sentinel

Q When we were married 12 years ago, my husband's parents gave us $35,000 to purchase our home. I always understood this was a gift, and that my husband and I signed some type of receipt for the money for tax or gift purposes. At least, that is how it was explained to me. My in-laws never asked for a payment. Then my husband left home, and now they have produced this joint note and want not only the $35,000 principal, but also interest for 12 years, which brings the total to more than $75,000. I work, but don't have the money to make these payments, and I was the one who ended up staying in the home in question. My husband is not willing to help. His parents now have a lawyer and are threatening to sue for their money. My lawyer tells me that they have that right. Is there a way to work this out in a settlement?

A While we have not seen the terms of the receipt/note that you say you and your husband signed, and while the issues that have arisen are best answered by your lawyer, it would appear even to the uninitiated that your husband's parents are engaging in a bit of "collateral pressure-cooking" in order to make you settle the case.

Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/orl-livsolo101909101909oct19,0,3391720.story