What is a mother-in-law in a marriage?

This entry describes a mother-in-law as the mother of one's spouse, and lists where her place in the marriage is usually felt: visits, advice, childcare, cooking, and whose household is treated as the main one. It notes that the two mothers-in-law do not hold the same seat in every family, and that the spouse whose mother is involved is part of the arrangement.

What this entry does not do

It does not stereotype mothers-in-law, and it does not replace the entry on setting limits with in-laws.