My in-laws helped with our down payment—then started treating our house like their property. Unannounced visits, renovation plans, and calling it a “shared investment” became normal.
I later found out my husband had signed a contract giving them 50% of any future profit. It wasn’t help—it was control.
I told him I couldn’t live like that. We moved into a small condo I could afford myself, and he chose to come with me.
His parents kept the house—but lost the power.
Sometimes you have to walk away from a “gift” to protect your peace.
