The Moneyist: These are not my ideal living arrangements: My husband and I live in his mothers home. She will leave...

Dear Quentin,

I have been living in my husbands family home for the past 10 years. Weve been married for almost nine years. The house is owned by my mother-in-law. She has the house in trust for my husband at the time of her passing. She has named my only son as the second in the event that something happens to my husband, her only child.

At the time of my mother-in-laws death, what right if any do I have to the house? If my husband is unwilling to put me on the deed of the house, what am I going to do if he falls ill and my son is a minor? If my husband is unwilling to put me on the deed, how will I ever put any money into the house to upgrade, etc.?

Its not wise to put any money into a house that is not in my name. He will be on his own. I told my husband I dont feel it is right, and these are not my ideal living arrangements. I want to have control of what goes on in the home with my husband. Do I have any claim to the home when that point arises and he becomes owner?

He has suggested we buy the house from his mom, or we buy our own. I live in New York State. Please help!

Wife & Daughter-in-Law

Dear Wife,

If your husband is due to inherit this house from his mother, it does not make sense to buy it. But if it would give you peace of mind, you could look into buying a home together, depending on your finances. If and when your husband inherits this house, it will be his alone unless he decides to put your name on the deed.