What do I do if my mother in law keeps opening up my mail?

Question

Okay. My hubby and I are young and stupid but we're trying to get it together so we can make something of our life. Well we're staying at my mother in law's house to save money to get a house or trailor of our own. She is having money problems and wants to know how much money we make and are putting out, so she's opening up our mail. This mail includes bank statements and bills under both my name and my husband's. I don't know what to do b/c she's done this before and knows how much it upsets me and she hasn't stopped. What do I do? She owns a farm and we put in our share of work and we pay her a little money and pitch in for food here and there. And we do this even though she said we could stay with her for free to get back on our feet. We even watch over her daughter on nights she has to work and her daughter isn't a piece of cake to keep an eye on. She's a living terror.

Oh, and I'm not talking about an email account. I'm talking about my actual mail.

And no my husband hasn't stood up to her. He feels she'll kick us out, but he doesn't realize that we're doing all her heavy farm work. She'll have to get up and do it herself if we leave. I talked to my aunt and she said I could call the post office and have them send a warning letter to my mother in law stating that it's a federal law that she's breaking and she could go to prison. What do you all think of that?

I know there are accidents. But she's been asking questions about how much we make and what bills we have to pay. My husband tells her it's none of her business so she's resorted to opening up our mail, again. She's done this many times. I'm not stupid, it wasn't an accident. Why would she accidently/conveniently open up the mail that answers all the questions we've been telling her it's not her business to know, unless it was intentional.

Answer 1

Obviously you have to move. But if that is completely out of the question, get a PO box.

Btw, my daughter and then fiance moved in with me last Jan due to his job lay off. They are closing on their house tomorrow, and moving out over the weekend. It took a while for him to find a job, and they got married in June. They didn't pay anything until they were back on their feet and could. They did however buy their own food and my now son in law did a whole lot of work around the house that I usually had to pay to have done. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to help my daughter out, and I'm happy that they are moving on with their lives but will really miss them being here.

I would NEVER have done something so disrespectful and despicable as reading their mail or interfering with their personal business. You may be young (that doesn't mean you are stupid) but no one, ever deserves to be treated the way your mother in law is treating you.

I know it will be hard, but you two need to tell her to knock it off, or you need to move. I hope it works out for you.

Answer 2

I don't know the section or code of law that prevents others from opening mail, but you could call or visit your local post office. To be honest, I think an investigator may find this a litlte humerous and consider this to be a personal issue. Since you are still living with you mom, even though you are no longer a minor, you have to give your mom a certain consideration. You are under her roof. If you don't like the way she treats you, think about moving out. Also, get a PO BOX. They are inexpensive and you can forward all your mail there.

Answer 3

YOU need to speak to HUBBY about this..... this is his mother, so he should do the talking...... you should be there, but let him do the talking...... she needs to be told that 1 it is illegal... 2 an invasion of privacy... 3 NOT right...... 4 not part of the deal...... hubby needs to step up and do what is right for ya'll as a couple...... and YES get a post office box and make sure all your mail is sent to it.... even if the box is 20 miles away...... you can go for the mail 2 times a week and make a date of it.......God bless

Answer 4

Inform her that it is a federal offense to mess with someone elses mail. It really is. Your husband shoul say something to his Mom about this. Barring either of these, I would rent a P.O. box in town & make sure she doesn't get a key. This is very inexpensive & when you move you don't even have to change mailing addresses with everyone.

Answer 5

Anyway you look at that it's against the law. Tell her so and tell her to stop NOW. Just because you stay with her does not give her the right to infringe on your right to privacy. It's a basic human right in the bill of rights and she, like many, think she deserves her rights but others don't. She's an a$$.

Answer 6

Get it sent to a PO box number. May cost a little money but well worth the money to cut the aggravation. She may never stop. She thinks as long as you live there, she has the right to know what you are up to - even though you and I know that she is WRONG!!!! Has your husband stood up to her? Good luck.

Answer 7

she can't help it, it is a habit that you your self would do. When mail comes to your house, have you ever opened mail that came to you, only to find that someone made a mistake and the letter was meant for someone else, if you haven't you will. she doesn't mean anything by it let it go it happens all the time.

Answer 8

Get a p.o. box or have your mail held at the post office.

Answer 9

Either grow up, move out and support yourself or live with it.

Or get a post office box.

Answer 10

send her a letter but have it mailed with your name on the outside and write a letter telling her to stop because she wouldn't like it done to her. goodluck