house in his name - help

[Mummyisamonster]

Help please.

A friend of mine has discovered her DH has been having an affair with a woman from work. Last night he brought the GF round to their house and told his wife that as the house is in his name he can do what he wants.

My friend has one young child, another on the way. She is, undestadnly, in bits.

Her main concern is that her DH can , as she puts it, 'do what he wants' with regards to the house. They are married. She is staying in the spare room (!) at the mo and I have suggested she get legal advice.

She doesn't work and is reliant on DH for money.

Could he really change the locks on her as he has threatened?

Thanks

[mumofsatan]

No he can't. Even though it may be in his name as they are married it is the matrimonial home. She needs to see a solicitor asap and register a matrimonial homes rights caution on the property. This will be registered against the house and will stop him from selling it from under her and leaving her and DC homeless.

[said]

God, what a horrible man. Glad for your friend he's talking tosh

[Biobytes]

He can change the locks but will get in serious trouble if he does.

As they are married, she is also a rightful owner of the house.

But she needs to get legal advice ASAP. Which may be free through legal aid as she is not working at the moment.

I understand that these are terrible times, when one could be tempted to accept any unfair proposals just to avoid more emotional damage. Well, if there is a time when you need to use the little energy you have to get out and get informed, this is it. Whatever she accepts or decides in these days may set the pattern of their lives for years to come.