Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

My wife and myself live in a condo that was paid for by my wife's mother, and we have been paying her back biweekly. My mother in law keeps trying to change the amount we should give her each month, since we have no written agreement. She has been threatening to take us to court if we don't acquiesce. We have been paying for the taxes, insurance, and association fees since the condo was purchased. In addition, my wife's name is also on the deed as a joint tenant. Does my mother in law have any case against us?


Asked on 4/02/14, 5:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

What does your wife want to do about this? Start WW3? The most logical answer would be to draw up papers -- the fact that you have proof of some kind of deal with your mother-in-law is helpful but not as good as a signed agreement that everybody knows what his and her rights and responsibilities are. If your mother-in-law and your wife are on title, then you actually have a better position if you are paying 100% of the owner responsibilities (taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utilities). But if you have been paying her odd or inconsistent amounts at her demand, you may have done your position some harm. Get an attorney involved; so far the DIY apparently has not worked.

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Answered on 4/05/14, 10:37 am


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