Can I Sue My Mother?

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out to this community for guidance on a challenging situation involving a verbal agreement I had with my mother concerning a mobile home in Michigan. Here’s a detailed account:

Background: • Spring 2015: My mother purchased a mobile home with the initial intention of moving in with my sister due to marital issues. At that time, I was living rent-free on a nearly 200-acre farm but was considering a change, especially since the farm was quite remote. • Proposal: My mother suggested I move into the mobile home, presenting it as a good investment opportunity for me. She assured me that once I paid off the mortgage, she would transfer the title to my name. This agreement was purely verbal; no written contract was established.

Living Arrangement and Payments: • April 2016 - March 2024: I moved into the mobile home and began making monthly payments of $232 directly to my mother, totaling over $25,000 during this period. Initially, she mentioned the trailer was financed for around $20,000 over six years. Later, she claimed she had put down $5,000 and financed $15,000. Given the amount I paid over the years, I suspect she may have refinanced the loan without informing me.

Roof Replacement Incident: • Spring 2022: I noticed a leak in the roof and reached out to my mother for recommendations on repair services. Despite my efforts to handle the minor repairs myself, she insisted on having a complete roof replacement done by a contractor she knew. Upon completion, when I inquired about the cost, she dismissed my concerns, saying, “Don’t worry, God always provides.” I interpreted this as her covering the expense, especially since we hadn’t discussed any payment terms beforehand.

Escalation and Breakdown: • Winter 2023: My mother began inquiring about my tax filings. Eventually, she demanded $3,000 for the roof replacement. I expressed that this was unfair, given our lack of prior agreement on the expense and my financial situation as a single mother of two. I offered to make monthly payments, but she was dissatisfied, straining our relationship further. • Early 2024: As I approached the final stretch of payments, she abruptly demanded nearly $21,000, citing various fees and the remaining balance. She gave me a week to comply or find alternative housing. Attempts to negotiate were futile, and in April 2024, she arrived unannounced, refusing to leave until law enforcement intervened.

Current Situation: • May 1, 2024: I vacated the mobile home. Subsequently, my mother sold the property, retaining all proceeds.

Seeking Advice:

Given this situation, do I have grounds for legal action based on breach of verbal contract or unjust enrichment under Michigan law? I’m particularly interested in: 1. Statute of Limitations: Understanding the time frame I have to initiate any legal proceedings. 2. Verbal Agreement Enforceability: The strength of verbal agreements in Michigan, especially concerning property transactions. 3. Potential Legal Remedies: What avenues are available to possibly recover the funds I’ve invested over the years?

I appreciate any insights or similar experiences you can share. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond.