Easier said than done, Dark Knight. What worries me most is the child who's involved in this situation. I don't want the kid moving to a housing commission or somewhere dodgy. I'll keep paying the bills for as long as I can, as they're in my name, but I definitely feel stupid and soft. They're milking it for all it's worth, as they know I don't have the heart to kick them out. I'm in between a rock and a hard place. Their situation isn't easy either, as they're short on cash and that's a stress in itself, but I'm not responsible for their finances, just my own.

I have sought legal help, but the response is generally the same – to exercise my right as the property owner, perhaps change the locks, or just evict them with an order. This option would be much easier if I wasn't related to these people and they were just regular tenants, but this is where I have a problem with this, mainly in that there's a child involved.