Dear John, 

My mother-in-law (MIL) is an interfering old harridan, you know the type. She has just written a book entitled “My son married a prize bitch”. Her publisher says that it will be a best seller. Can I sue?

VL

Dear VL, 

Many MILs have a tense relationship with their DILs despite having once been DILs themselves.  However, with the arrival of grandchildren MILs usually manage to contain their animosity to gain generous access and in return provide financial support together with baby-sitting services.  To sue would risk losing these benefits.

It is better to maintain a close relationship with your in-laws while at the same time implementing a Wealth Early Transfer (WET) strategy, such as:

Debt Assistance

In-laws may be prepared to guarantee your outstanding debts especially from a failed business venture.  This will enable you to increase your spending but it is usually accompanied by unwanted advice.

Joint Business Venture

It is easier to involve your in-laws in the business venture itself from the beginning.  Think big and you may be able to persuade them to sell their home and move in with you, ideally in accommodation accompanying the venture.  If the business flourishes then you will find yourself able to put up with your MIL but if it falters then you can throw a tantrum and lock them out.  Place the business on the market and if you have chosen wisely, the sale could take years.      

Looking at school fees, foreign travel and all the other expenses of having children these days it is inadvisable to fall out with let alone, sue your in-laws. 

Looking on the bright side, the royalties of her new book could be yours, one day. 

(c) Paul Brennan 2010. All rights Reserved.

Extract from John Fytit’s International Legal Problem Page written by Paul Brennan.  The International Problem Page started in 2005 and was merged into Paul Brennan’s blog. But, not before John Fytit started to receive real legal questions from various parts of the world. 

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