re: My MIL opened up a credit card in my wife’s name

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If it was used for basic needs then sitting her down and asking why she didn't come to them in the first place is the way to start. Perhaps she was having a temporary setback -- maybe she lost her job due to Covid? You never know. I'd have A LOT more sympathy for her if she was using this to survive and just thought she could pay off the credit card debt before anyone even knew about it. Helping family in a time of need is something worthwhile to teach your children. If this was simply for her own pleasure purchases, F*CK HER. Turn her a$$ over to the police and teach your kids that these sorts of actions have consequences.

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There is a difference, but OP is saying high teen thousands of dollars. That’s not just basic living essentials.

But I agree a conversation needs to be had.