Sometimes in-laws can be a lot to deal with, whether theyโre trying to do whatโs right or doing what works best for themselves and no one else. In the following stories, youโll read about in-laws who give gifts and then take them back, those who bully and control, and more.
If you have in-laws of your own, you might enjoy these six different tales that show them being nasty by kicking out their sonโs wife and newborn child, paying their son-in-law to leave their daughter, trying to micro-manage a building project given to their daughter-in-law, and more.
A mean-looking older couple | Source: Midjourney
New Mom Kicked Out by In-Laws Discovers Shocking Truth About Her Home
When my in-laws kicked me out with my newborn son, Tommy, it felt like my life had shattered. They had been living with us for a while, thinking it would be a chance to bond as a family. Instead, it became a daily nightmare.
The Andersons, my father- and mother-in-law (FIL and MIL), fought constantly, usually over ridiculous things like what to watch on TV. I tried to ignore it, but when their yelling kept waking Tommy after a tough night, I finally lost my patience!
A baby peacefully sleeping | Source: Unsplash
I went downstairs and politely asked them to keep it down. That small request set off a storm! My MIL chimed in, criticizing my parenting and suggesting Tommy was โtoo soft.โ I insisted that they were the problem and demanded they keep it down, before retreating to my bedroom.
My FIL snapped and followed me upstairs, pushing the door open without knocking!
โThis is my house. I gave Adam the money to buy it, so donโt tell me what to do under my roof!โ
An angry man | Source: Midjourney
I was so shocked by his revelation that all I could muster was, โBut all I am asking for is some peace and quiet for YOUR grandchildโฆโ
โWell, if peace and quiet is what you want, why donโt you take your baby and head over to your motherโs place?โ he insisted.
โIโฆ,โ I mumbled as I tried to find the right words, but he cut me off.
โYou better start packing. I want you out tomorrow! Such a disrespectful girl!โ he said before leaving the room and banging the door.
Tommy woke up crying because of the noise, and I cuddled and rocked him back to sleep while hoping things would calm down by morning.
A mother holding her baby | Source: Unsplash
But the next day, they were just as hostile. My FIL confronted me immediately when he saw me, demanding I pack my things and leave! โTake your kid and go live with your perfect mother,โ he barked. I was stunnedโฆ
My husband, Adam, was away on a business trip, so I had no choice but to pack my things, take Tommy, and move in with my mom. As I walked out the door, they didnโt even say goodbye!
An upset woman carrying a baby | Source: Midjourney
At my momโs, I called Adam, choking back tears as I told him what happened. His reaction was immediate.
โThey did what? Iโm coming back. They canโt treat you like this.โ
He booked the next flight and arrived that night, furious and determined to fix things.
The following morning, we took our things and went back to the house. Adam confronted them calmly at first, asking why they thought it was acceptable to throw out his wife and son, but his parents were defiant.
โThis is my home,โ his father said. โIf you donโt like how we run things, you can leave too!โ
An upset man frowning | Source: Freepik
Adam insisted that we werenโt going anywhere and demanded that his parents behave, but they didnโt. The fighting continued, but this time it was clearly intentional. I thought my life was going to be miserable forever but was surprised when the doorbell rang with the police at our doorstep.
Theyโd come over to arrest my parents for kicking me out of what they described as MY house. I was confused and tried putting up a fuss when I saw how scared and confused my in-laws were, but the police told me to talk to my husband as they left.
Policemen responding to a call | Source: Midjourney
When I called Adam, thatโs when he dropped the bombshell.
He revealed that the house wasnโt his parents at all. Years earlier, his father had given him money to buy the home, but the truth was my husband lost the funds in a failed business deal. Instead, Adam had used his own savings to purchase the house โ and he put it in my name.
When he visited them in jail, he told them the truth, leaving the Andersons speechless. Their former smug confidence had evaporated.
A couple sitting in a jail cell | Source: Midjourney
Hours later, my MIL called me from their quaint little apartment, her tone completely different.
โMila,โ she pleaded, โwe didnโt know it was your house.โ
I listened but didnโt let her off the hook.
โItโs not about whose name is on the deed,โ I said. โItโs about the way you treated me. You kicked out a new mom and her baby over a trivial argument. Thatโs not something I can forgive.โ
When she hesitated and asked, โCan we come back?โ I didnโt even need to think about my answer. โNo,โ I said firmly.
A woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
That evening, as I rocked Tommy to sleep in our home, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. For the first time in weeks, I wasnโt worried about yelling matches or walking on eggshells. My baby slept soundly in his crib, and I whispered to him, โWeโre safe, buddy. This is our home, and no one can take it away from us again.โ
Living with family is supposed to be about compromise, but the Andersons acted like rulers of a kingdom. Kicking out a mother and her newborn? That crossed a line. Adamโs support and the truth about the house gave me the strength to stand up for myself, and now I finally feel free.
A baby holding his motherโs hand | Source: Pexels
A Couple Turns Betrayal Into Triumph
The first time I saw Emily, she was on stage at our universityโs theater performance. Her charisma lit up the room, and I couldnโt take my eyes off her! When the show ended, I knew I had to meet her. Summoning my courage, I approached her in the crowded theater lobby.
โHi, Iโm Jake,โ I said, my heart racing. โYou were incredible up there!โ
Her smile was warm and genuine. โThanks! Iโm Emily. Are you a student here?โ
A smiling young woman | Source: Midjourney
โI am,โ I replied, my nerves easing. โIโm studying scriptwriting. Iโd love to write something for you someday.โ
Her eyes sparkled.
โThat sounds amazing! Iโve always wanted to help bring a story to life from the very beginning.โ
From that night on, Emily and I were inseparable! She was an aspiring actress, and I was a fledgling scriptwriter. We dreamed big together, and after graduation, we moved to the city to chase those dreams.
An interior of an apartment | Source: Unsplash
She landed small roles while I worked tirelessly on my scripts, hoping one would stick. But there was one roadblock we couldnโt ignore โ her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Hastings were wealthy, status-obsessed, and utterly disapproving of us.
They dismissed my career as a writer and Emilyโs as an actress, insisting we had no future. When I finally proposed to my longtime girlfriend, her parentsโ disapproval turned into outright hostility!
A close-up of an older couple | Source: Midjourney
At dinner one night, my future MIL sneered, โJake, have you even earned a dollar from your writing, or are you living off Emilyโs inheritance?โ
Equally shocked by her motherโs utterances, Emily shot back, โMom, enough! Jake and I love each other, and thatโs all that matters!โ
We went ahead with our wedding, hoping her parents would eventually come around. They didnโt. They kept their distance, only contacting us to remind us of their disappointment.
A young bridal couple | Source: Midjourney
One evening, months into our marriage, I got a call from my FIL.
โMeet us at the country club,โ he said tersely. โAnd donโt tell Emily.โ
Curious and uneasy, I arrived to find her parents waiting. After pleasantries, my FIL said, โWeโre willing to make you an offer.โ
My MIL added coldly, โWeโll pay you to leave our daughter. Tell her you cheated, disappear, and go create your movie, and let her move on.โ
I was stunned but quickly masked my shock. โHow much?โ I asked, pretending to consider it.
A shocked man | Source: Pexels
Emilyโs father smirked, clearly thinking heโd won. He named an amountโa staggering sum that could fund the dream project Iโd been writing for years.
โDeal, but you have to send the money immediately,โ I said, watching their satisfaction grow. But as I left with the funds in my account, my mind was already spinning with plans.
That night, I told Emily everything.
โThey want me to leave you, Em,โ I said. โBut I think we can turn this into something bigger!โ
A shocked young woman | Source: Midjourney
Her eyes widened. โWhat do you mean?โ
โLetโs actually use their money to make my film as they suggested. But, weโll tell our story and expose their manipulation!โ
My wife took my hand, her expression a mix of shock and admiration. โLetโs do it!โ
Over the next few months, Emily moved out temporarily to make the deception convincing. I poured my heart into the film, using every cent of the Hastingsโ โdivorce fund.โ
A man using a computer | Source: Pexels
When the premiere finally arrived, I ensured the Hastings had front-row seats, telling them that Iโd like them to come as special guests to see what their money was used for. I also comforted them by saying theyโd never need to see me again afterward.
They obliged.
When the film began, it drew the audience into a tale of love, betrayal, and resilience. The movie was an overdramatized rendition of my and Emilyโs life story until now. As the credits neared, my wife appeared on stage.
A young woman standing on a stage | Source: Midjourney
โThis is our story,โ she said, addressing the crowd. โJake and I never divorced. We stayed together and used this film to tell the truth.โ
Gasps rippled through the audience. I stepped onto the stage next to her and added, โWe want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Hastings for funding this project. Without their generosity, none of this would have been possible.โ
The Hastings sat frozen, their embarrassment palpable.
People at a movie theater | Source: Midjourney
As Emily and I left the theater that night, hand in hand, we felt an overwhelming sense of triumph. We had turned their betrayal into a testament to our loveโand they never tried to interfere in our lives again.
A young couple sitting together | Source: Midjourney
A Familyโs Dream Home Becomes a Nightmare
When Mikeโs parents offered us a house, it felt like an answered prayer! With three kids crammed into a two-bedroom home, we were desperate for space. Although the property was in the middle of nowhere and needed major renovations, we accepted it with gratitude.
โWeโll make it work,โ I told Mike. โThe kids need the space, and this could be our fresh start.โ
A couple sitting on a couch and talking | Source: Midjourney
The house was a fixer-upper in every sense of the word. We poured our savings into transforming it, installing a new kitchen, redoing the wiring, and even adding a state-of-the-art smart home system โ Mikeโs passion project.
Slowly but surely, the place began to feel like home.
โWeโve created something beautiful here,โ my husband said one evening, showing me the automated system heโd installed. โThis is our home now.โ
A close-up of a house | Source: Midjourney
Our family soon settled into a routine. The kids loved playing in the large yard, and Mike and I enjoyed quiet walks in the countryside. Life seemed perfect โ until my husbandโs parents dropped a bombshellโฆ
โWeโre selling our house and moving to a lakeside cabin,โ they announced. โWeโll need the house back to fund the move.โ
I stared at them, speechless. โBut you gave it to us,โ my husband screeched.
โItโs still ours legally,โ his mom insisted. โWe didnโt sign it over.โ
A shocked couple | Source: Midjourney
Back at the new house, Mike paced the kitchen in frustration.
โThey canโt do this! We have a letter from them saying it was a gift!โ
So, we hired a lawyer, armed with receipts, renovation costs, and the gift letter. But after doing what he could in the background, when the lawyer arrived at our house, his expression told me everything.
โThe property was never legally transferred to you,โ he explained. โOn paper, theyโre the rightful owners.โ
A lawyer sitting | Source: Midjourney
It felt like a punch to the gut. Mike was furious.
โThey used us,โ he fumed. โWe should undo every renovation, rip out the smart system, and leave them the wreck they gave us!โ
But I couldnโt bear the thought.
โNo,โ I said softly. โWeโre better than that. Letโs leave with our dignity intact.โ
We packed up and moved to a small apartment closer to the city. The cramped space brought challenges, especially for the kids, who had to share a room again.
A small apartment | Source: Midjourney
โI feel like we failed the kids,โ I said one night as we unpacked.
My husband took my hand. โItโs temporary, Maria. Weโll make it better. I promise.โ
Just as we began adjusting to our new life, the phone rang. It was my in-laws.
โWe canโt figure out the smart home system,โ his dad complained. โThe lights wonโt work, and weโre freezing. Can you come back and fix it?โ
Mikeโs laugh was bitter. โNo,โ he said flatly. โThe house wasnโt right for us, remember? Youโll figure it out.โ
A man laughing while on a call | Source: Midjourney
We hung up, knowing that any trust in our relationship with them was gone. Their betrayal had turned a once-loving bond into one built on suspicion and hurt.
Months later, my MIL called again. โPlease, come for dinner. We miss you and the kids.โ
I took a deep breath. โEileen, you shouldโve known how much stability means for kids. You took that away from them. I donโt think you understand how deeply weโve been hurt.โ
An upset woman on a call | Source: Midjourney
She tried to interject, but I cut her off. โMike is so disappointed. And honestly, so am I.โ
Without another word, she hung up.
That night, as I chopped vegetables for dinner, I felt an odd mix of pain and relief. We were no longer under their control, but the wounds they left behind would take time to heal. Mike and the kids came home, their laughter filling the small apartment, reminding me of what truly mattered: we were together, and that was enough.
A woman in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney
A Shocking Overheard Call in French Changes Everything for a Family
Marrying into my husband Jacobโs family was never easy. His parents, Arnold and Bessie, embodied old money, old traditions, and impossible expectations. Their pristine manners barely masked their judgment, especially after my diagnosis: I couldnโt have children.
The news shattered Jacob and me, but the real pain came during Sunday dinners at my in-lawsโ stately colonial home. My MIL Bessie wielded passive-aggressive comments like a weapon.
A woman having dinner | Source: Midjourney
โSarahโs daughter has four grandchildren now,โ sheโd say, stirring her soup. โSuch blessings.โ
My husband would grip my hand under the table, his knuckles white. โMom, enough.โ
But the real enigma was Arnold, my FIL, who rarely spoke more than a few words, retreating behind his newspaper at every opportunity.
Then came the dinner that changed everythingโฆ
A family having dinner | Source: Midjourney
That evening, my FIL excused himself to take a phone call in the hallway. I wasnโt paying much attention until I heard him speaking fluent French. My heart stopped. My late stepfather had raised me in French, but my in-laws didnโt know I understood it.
โPerfect candidateโฆ young, healthy, no ties here, and the medical results look fantastic,โ Arnold said, his voice low but clear. โWeโll finalize the contract next week. Yes, perfect, the next flightโฆ Paris, yeah, yeahโฆ My son and daughter-in-law wonโt know until the time is right.โ
I wasnโt 100% sure what he was talking about, but an idea was forming in my mind.
A suspicious woman drinking from mug | Source: Pexels
Back at home, I couldnโt sleep that night as I put together my FILโs conversation. Certain I understood what was happening, I woke up at 2 a.m. and booked three tickets for flights to Paris, knowing our towing business would survive under our managerโs guidance for a few weeks.
My husband woke up just then and asked me why I wasnโt sleeping and what I was doing, so I revealed everything. โI think Arnoldโs planning on getting us a surrogate from France. I overheard him when he was speaking French on the phone.โ
A woman using a laptop in bed | Source: Pexels
Jacob stared, wide-eyed. โDad? No way. Heโs barely spoken to us about anything personal in years. And you speak French?โ
โYes, I do, my stepfather taught me,โ I confessed.
Jacob was now wide awake, so we discussed the matter further and made a plan because the truth was undeniable.
That morning, we invited Arnold over.
A couple discussing something in bed | Source: Midjourney
He arrived promptly, his usual reserved self. Over coffee, I looked him in the eye and said, โArnold, I know youโre arranging a surrogate for us in Paris.โ
His coffee cup froze mid-air, and he paled. โI can explain,โ he stammered.
Jacobโs voice was tight. โWhy didnโt you tell us, Dad?โ
My FIL sighed, shoulders slumping. โI didnโt think youโd accept my help. After how weโve treated you โ especially your mother โ I thought this was the only way.โ
A distressed older man | Source: Freepik
His voice broke. โIโve been working with a clinic. Emma, my friendโs daughter, volunteered. Sheโs kind and healthy, with a heart of gold. I just wanted to fix what weโve broken.โ
His confession floored us.
Jacob placed a hand on his fatherโs shoulder. โDadโฆ thank you. But you didnโt have to hide this.โ
We confessed about the tickets, and Arnold agreed to go with us to meet our surrogate.
A shocked older man | Source: Freepik
Paris in the spring was breathtaking. My FIL introduced us to Emma and her mother Mrs. Collins, his old friend whoโd helped arrange everything. Emmaโs warmth put us instantly at ease.
โWhen my mom told me about your story,โ she said with a heavy French accent, โI knew I wanted to help. Family isnโt about bloodโitโs about love and choice.โ
As we began the surrogacy process, Arnold surprised us again. โBessieโs flying out next week,โ he said. โShe wants to be here for all of it โ the contracts, the procedure.โ
An older man holding his eyeglasses | Source: Freepik
My jaw dropped. โBessie? Sheโs never been kind about this.โ
โShe called me in tears after I confessed what I was doing and why,โ my FIL admitted. โSaid sheโs been wrong and wants to make amends. I think she finally understands.โ
That evening, Jacob and I walked along the Seine with Arnold. The city lights shimmered on the water as he turned to me.
โIโm sorry,โ my FIL said quietly. โFor not being the father-in-law you deserved. For letting our hopes for a grandchild overshadow what truly mattered: you.โ
A remorseful man | Source: Midjourney
Tears pricked my eyes. โYouโre making up for it now,โ I said, linking my arm with his.
As the sun set, I realized something profound: this journey wasnโt just about building a family โ it was about rebuilding relationships. In the end, we found more than hope in Paris. We found forgiveness, love, and a fresh start.
A happy woman walking with her father-in-law | Source: Midjourney
MIL Hijacks Home Birth with a Party, Learns a Lesson About Boundaries
When I decided on a home birth, my husband Josh was thrilled, but his mother, Elizabeth, was ecstatic!
โI simply must be there to help!โ she gushed. Against my better judgment, I agreed. After all, what harm could an extra pair of hands do?
But when the big day came, Elizabethโs odd behavior set me on edge. While our midwife Rosie calmly guided me through labor, my MIL kept darting in and out of the room, looking flustered. Her vague excuses โ like โIโm fetching water,โ or โJust checking something,โ โ didnโt add up.
A woman smiling | Source: Pexels
Then, during an intense contraction, I heard muffled voices and faint music coming from the living room.
โJosh, do you hear that?โ I panted.
He tilted his head. โIt sounds likeโฆ people talking?โ
My husband left to investigate, and when he returned, his face was ashen.
โYouโre not going to believe this,โ he said. โMomโs throwing a party. In the living room.โ
I stared at him in disbelief. โA party?! While Iโm in labor?!โ
An upset woman | Source: Midjourney
Ignoring Rosieโs protests, I struggled to my feet. Seeing my anger, Josh didnโt protest but helped me waddle to the living room, where a surreal scene greeted us: a full-blown baby shower complete with guests, drinks, and even a banner that read, โWelcome Baby!โ
โWHAT IS THIS?โ I bellowed, silencing the room.
Elizabeth spun around, looking startled. โNancy! You shouldnโt be out of bed!โ
A banner at a party | Source: Midjourney
โWhat is going on here, Elizabeth?โ I demanded, my voice shaking with fury.
โItโs just a little celebration,โ she said defensively. โYou wouldnโt even know we were here!โ
โIโm IN LABOR!โ I shouted. โThis isnโt a celebration โ itโs chaos!โ
Josh stepped in, his voice low but firm. โEveryone needs to leave. Now.โ
Guests scrambled for the door, my MIL protesting all the while. โNancy, youโre overreacting! This is a joyous occasion!โ
Upset guests leaving a party | Source: Midjourney
โUnbelievable,โ I muttered, storming back to the bedroom.
Hours later, I held our newborn son in my arms, his tiny fingers gripping mine as Josh sat beside me, his eyes full of wonder.
โHeโs perfect,โ my husband whispered.
A soft knock interrupted our moment. Elizabeth peeked in, her eyes red-rimmed. โCan Iโฆ can I come in?โ
I hesitated, my anger still raw. Josh gave my hand a gentle squeeze, silently urging me to decide.
A distressed woman | Source: Midjourney
โFine,โ I said tightly. โFive minutes.โ
My MIL entered cautiously, her face drawn with regret.
โNancy, Iโm so sorry. I got carried away. I just wanted to do something special.โ
Her sincerity surprised me, but I wasnโt ready to let her off the hook.
โElizabeth, what you did was selfish. This was supposed to be about us, not you.โ
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided as โis,โ and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.