to have no idea where I would stand if I became a SM?

[iheartmyboys]

Having read the post by FG in relationships and having had some problems in my own.
I really have no idea where I would stand with my partner if we were to separate.

We are both in the UK on visas. We are not married, we have two small children.
We have two properties - joint names.
We both work in our own business (I also work part-time outside of this).
We don't have a joint account, I just pay all the bills through business account or my own and transfer money from business account when needed. Both mortgages actually from my account)

Not being married - how concerned should I be?

I honestly think if we did split that I would want to return to my home country - we don't have any family here, but I remember reading something about not being able to take the children out of the country without his permission.
In saying all of this I don't think we are splitting up but if something did happen (like with FG whose DH just walked out on the family and marriage) what would I do?

Anyone else actually been through this?

[Chil1234]

The 'not married' part is important. Unmarried fathers have surprisingly few rights over their children in UK law. See here for a good explanation. And given that the UK is not your permanent place of residence, I don't think there is anything to stop either of you going back there.

Even though you say there is no chance of a split it must be on your mind for some reason. Never hurts to be prepared. Make sure you have your finances and property/business ownership very well defined in law because the legal entitlement to shared assets when it comes to unmarried partners is also very different to married ones. Less '50/50' and much more 'every man for himself'

[iheartmyboys]

thanks Chil, didn't realise it was the father who had fewer rights.

[GypsyMoth]

i would check that info regarding parental responsibility,as the law has changed. i think he has full rights over dc,as do you! you will be both equal