How to reset Apple Account password for iPad access?

Insofar as Apple are concerned, as your Father-in-law's AppleID was last used to activate the iPad, it belongs to him and not you. As such, they will only assist the owner (as identified by the AppleID account).

Presumably you are being prompted for your Father-in-law's AppleID credentials - so as to satisfy the Activation Lock. You will require the AppleID an associated password that was last used to successfully activate the device - which, for the bona-fide owner, should be straightforward.

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the owner (e.g., the original sales receipt from Apple showing the iPad serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.

However, recovery of the AppleID credentials should be possible…

If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/

To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

• Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
• Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
• Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID

More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

Two possible solutions.

One is to recover use of the account. The forgotten security questions is a big problem that could have been prevented. Several years ago Apple transitioned to using two factor authentication instead of security questions. You can continue to use security questions if you already use them and they are working for you, but if you have problems then they no longer get direct support. You can try the directions in this support article If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions - Apple Support but the article is labeled "archived" and may contain information that is out of date. If the instructions work then fine; if they do not (e.g., “not enough information”*) then you will have to change to the newer security method if you can. Over the past few years Apple has been persistently encouraging users to switch to the newer two factor authentication security system. For those who have disregarded their encouraging, Apple will likely only help you to now change to two factor authentication, if even that is possible. Follow the instructions in the "Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID" section in this support article --> Two-factor authentication for Apple Account - Apple Support to try to change to two factor authentication.

If you still need help, contact Apple ID support at this link ➞ https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups&PGF=PGF63005

Select "Other Apple ID Topics", then "Security concerns or account compromised." This will give you a chat or telephone call option.

If Apple can not or will not help you transition to two factor authentication then it is quite possible you will have to simply abandon the old account and everything it contained.

*See the third page of this discussion Unable to Reset Apple ID Security Questio… - Apple Community Some people talk about getting out of a “loop” by logging in a different way. I am not really following what they are talking about but maybe you can see if it helps.

Process two is if you cannot recover use of the account again then Apple can completely reset a device if a person can provide sufficient evidence of valid ownership. Check the requirements and steps at: Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not detail what currently constitutes proof other than it “must include the product serial number, IMEI or MEID.” Apple may typically require the original receipt* issued by Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. If Apple resets the device this will give you access to the device but won't restore access to the account used to lock it. There is nothing that can be done to expedite an Activation Lock request.

*Apple recommends you "Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device" --> Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

if it was me then I would try

Activation Lock - Support

or reach out to their support channels

 Get Support (apple.com)

And or

 Contact - Official Apple Support

And or

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple