My wife has never worked; she was a stay-at-home mom, raising our four kids. Her parents didn’t leave her any money either. A few days ago, I found out she had $57,000 in the bank. It turned out she had secretly started and had been running a successful business from home.

But it wasn’t the kind of business you’d expect. She had been quietly crafting artisanal pet toys and accessories in our garage during her free time.

What had started as a hobby to keep herself busy soon turned into a thriving online business through word-of-mouth recommendations and social media.I felt betrayed when she kept it a secret from me. However, when I confronted her, she explained, “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t trust you with my money because I know you’d end up helping your sister’s family, and I feel you’ve already done enough for them.”

I’ve always regarded myself as responsible for my sister and her 3 young kids, especially since she’s a widow and I’m her sole support. However, my wife has consistently opposed this.

Feeling furious, I told her that I was entitled to half of that sum. After all, she had started the business with my money and didn’t have a dime to herself. She refused, arguing that I had no right to her hard-earned money and threatened to leave the house, taking our kids with her.

Yours,

– Jim
Seek legal advice.
Given the complexity of the situation and the potential division of assets, it might be wise to consult with a family law attorney. They can provide guidance on the legal implications of dividing the assets, including any rights you may have to a portion of the business’s profits.