They are likely claiming on behalf of her estate, saying she used her funds to support the children because he was not paying. Now realistically unless she had a will which said someone else inherits what she left behind it would go to the children and he would be the one likely to receive it. However it is possible she had creditors to pay or maybe she had a trust set up for the children and they want the funds to go to the trust.It is sad they cant just think of what is best for the children right now.
What a shame they are even fighting over this, as the Mother of the children is deceased, the courts have given the Father custody, Why would the family of the late Mother want to even do this! How sad, And how greedy, and thoughtless! I am not familiar with the law in the US, as don't reside there, so can't say what the law is, but just making a comment.
If the Grandmother or uncles had gotten the children, then they possibly could claim for the back payments, but Why would they want to do this if they haven't got the children? Because they are only thinking of the money, that's why. I don't agree that a man who skips his payments is right, this is not right, and they must pay their alimony, but you did say he had some unemployment problems.
I'm sure the court must of known about all this, before they gave him custody of the children. I hope he has employment now, as it would be so sad, as well as losing their Mom, having a Dad struggling, without a job. But, No, is my answer.
I don't think they will have any chance of suing him (the Mom and brothers), as they haven't got the custody of the children, and the back alimony is for the kids, not them. Personal opinion). (nice to see you back!).
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.