Love /
I got married to a Polish wife; Polish family advice needed [45]
First of all, you're in a really difficult position and there is no easy answer. Do what you think is best for you and your wife. You should also think about your future (ie are they going to suddenly need more money down the road?). I know that 200zl isn't that much money to give in a month but at the same time, you're a newlywed with a single income and may need that money down the future when you have kids.
In my honest opinion, I wouldn't help them, for a while at least until you get to know them better. Then you'll know if they're plights are real or they're trying to manipulate you. You shouldn't have to feel responsible for the debts that other people acquired. Also, your wife should have told you the situation. Even if she was embarrassed about it, she should have told you. If she's comfortable enough to marry you, she should be comfortable to tell you that her parents are dependent on the children.
My parents moved from Poland to Canada in the late 1980s, one of the reasons being that my fathers parents also expected my parents to hand over their income. Their demands became ridiculous and even now when we go visit them, they expect loads of presents and cash. They're constantly calling us and complaining about their poverty (never mind that we've been there and have seen that they live pretty comfortably!!). Eventually my parents learned how much they could give them and how much to refuse to help them.
And no, I'm not saying that all old Polish people are users (I know tons of generous Polaks!) but that there are people out there that will try to use others for every last penny.
Good luck!
