legally mine to sell

[Cazz]

Two year's ago my ex mother in law died, My ex husband lives abroad, so I was left to deal with the funeral etc, my ex came over for three days and took what he wanted from her house, telling me to take anything I wanted, then to get a house clearance company in. After he had left I found several nice pieces of silver and some jewellery,(which he must have missed ), which I took, and have now had for two year's. I did, in time tell my ex that I had these items (in case they were family heirlooms or such like), he just replied " do what you want with them, they wont be worth anything". But I've recently found out, that they are quite valuable, Our son is getting married shortly, so I thought I could sell the items, thus giving him the money towards his wedding. After all they have come from his grandmother, But I just wondered if they are actually mine to sell?.

[Old_Geezer]

Verbally you have been given permission to take them so they are yours as a gift. I'd just be concerned about the lack of written evidence, but there again, what chance of a comeback anyway ?

[jensignsuk]

Hiya Cazz, It might be worth you seeking a solicitors point of view on this one, but bear in mind that, as you had your ex-husbands say so on taking them, then I would think that you are entitaled to keep the items and do what you want with them, and if you had a good relationship with your ex- mother-in-law, then I am sure that she wouldn't mind you giving her Grandson a nice Wedding Present, as it would be off her too.

Hope this helps xx

[Cazz]

Thanks guys
you've confirmed what I was thinking, ( I won't bore you with the "he's never paid a penny to our son etc ). And I know if I ring him and tell him, then, these things he's never bothered about, will suddenly become prized heirlooms, which he wants back.
So I guess what he dosn't know wont hurt him and I know that gran would have wanted the money to go to the wedding.

[dzug2]

There is the question of were they his to give you - to which the answer is probably but not certainly yes.

I'd keep quiet about it and do what you want with them