Cottage only a flashpoint for this unhappy couple

Q

My husband and I recently bought a cottage with money we’d both saved, plus money from my mother.

One of my sisters-in-law wants me to let one of her sons use the cottage with his two buddies whom she’s never met.

She gave him keys to the cottage without asking us (neither of us have keys to their properties), saying that her son can’t ever prove himself unless “we” give him the chance.

I said that I’m not looking to have anyone prove themselves to me. My concern’s for the safety of the cottage (that neither I nor my husband have had a chance to enjoy yet ourselves).

Both this sister and her son like to drink, and he’s had criminal charges.

I have high blood pressure and severe sleep apnea, for which I’m receiving medical help. I don’t need the stress of worrying about a significant possession while feeling forced by my husband and his family to do whatever they want.

I haven’t been employed for almost 20 years, have no income of my own and depend on my husband who bullies me, even though my past income helped us pay off our home.

He gave cottage keys to both his sisters since they live closer to it than we do. He wanted them to check it once a month apiece in exchange for using it (he did this without asking me).

Neither of us expected her to give a copy of this key to one of her sons.

Meanwhile, all of my husband’s family including nieces and nephews were told they can only stay there so long as one of us is present.

But my husband says that’s not what “they” want. Feeling Very Isolated

A

When it comes to free access to a cottage, most people’s families grab the chance.

That’s why even the most generous cottage-owners usually discuss and mutually agree on some basic rules about who can be there as guests in your presence … and the limited number who can stay there without you.

Generally, teens and young adults who don’t yet own their own place, or those known for their party behaviour, are considered a greater risk not only to the property, but to their own safety (for which you’re both responsible as co-owners).

Their parents should be even more aware of this than you are.

Tell your husband that having no firm boundaries for visitors is a mistake he’ll regret both in costs (damages to the cottage, its furnishings, etc.) and in consequences, if anyone is physically harmed.

However, the cottage is only an unfortunate flashpoint in the divide between you two at this time. You’re partners both in life and in your joint ownerships, but he acts alone.

You’d be wise to talk to a lawyer privately and then inform your husband of what he’d lose if he continues to bully you to the point of you wanting to separate and retrieve your share of house, cottage and any other assets.

Insist that he get the key back from the nephew you don’t fully trust. His sisters must be told that they haven’t the right to hand it out. They’re lucky to be able to stay there themselves.

More important, you two need marital counselling. His controlling attitude affects your health issues which are exacerbated by stress.