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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I want the house only in my name?

136 replies

Flower0782 · 13/03/2025 21:54

Will try and keep this short. Before my husband and I got married we discussed what would potentially happen with my father’s house in the future. As I am an only child it’s likely that my dad’s house would be left to me. My husband who at the time was my partner said that he wouldn’t expect his name to go on anything and if he would be happy to sign a prenup if that’s what I wanted. Fast forward 15 years, we have been married for nearly 5 years (no prenup). The subject came up again recently. I basically said to him if I were to sell my dad’s house and buy one for us to live in, the house would only be in my name as we do not know what the future holds. He could obviously treat it as his home also, and I would not constantly be reminding him that it’s “my house”. He has said seen as we are married the house should be in both our names and if I’m not willing to put his name on it then he is not interested in moving into it. None of this has actually happened yet, but it has got me worried for what is going to happen in the future. I’m really here to ask AIBU for only wanting to put my name and not my husbands on a house that would be bought with my inheritance?

OP posts:
Cosyblankets · 14/03/2025 09:11

No two ways about it there needs to be a divorce. This is not a happy marriage.
But can we please remember that her father is still alive! We don't even know if he is even ill. I'm disgusted that this had even been a topic of conversation in the first place whoever brought it up, the OP or her husband. If it was her, that's just vile, if it was him she should have shut it down immediately.
Her dad can do what he likes with his house. One poster earlier on said she might need it for care costs. No. HE might need it for care costs because it's his house!
He may remarry. He may leave it to charity. He may sell up and go on a world cruise. All of those options are his choice! There is no putting the house in her name, her husband's name, tenants in common, joint tenants or any other way of owning because it is not her house.
The thought of anyone plotting what to do with my property while I'm still alive horrifies me.

Silvertulips · 14/03/2025 09:10

Put his name on the house or don’t, he’s still got an equal right to it and will get just as much of the equity either way

This is not true when it comes to inheritance .

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 14/03/2025 08:35

Op I think the update shows that he is selfish and entitled and doesn't care about your financial wellbeing which inspired he would absolutely try and get his paws on your dads houses divorce and get a financial orders

CandidHedgehog · 14/03/2025 08:30

You are married. If you ever split, the courts will take into account the length of your relationship, not just the marriage and all the assets of both parties.

Put his name on the house or don’t, he’s still got an equal right to it and will get just as much of the equity either way.

At least you can be sure he hasn’t been consulting solicitors on a divorce - they would have told him his rights won’t be any different if his name is on the house or not.

Edited to say: If you want a divorce, I agree with the people who say to do it now before you inherit - future inheritance will not be taken into account.

Candlepear · 14/03/2025 07:59

You should get divorced quickly before you inherit. Your first post missed out key information about the state of your marriage.

Good luck OP

Imbusytodaysorry · 14/03/2025 07:52

Flower0782 · 13/03/2025 22:04

I think it might be worth mentioning that we are in rented property at the moment, and about 2 months ago I was looking at renting elsewhere for just myself and the children. It’s a whole other story, but it was mainly down to not being able to get another job because of his inability to be flexible when it comes to his working hours and hobbies, expecting me to do everything round the house apart from maybe throwing a wash in the dryer now and then, and the way he has been speaking to me recently. I guess I’m not as secure in the relationship as what I used to be.

Well best divorce now ( while your father is alive ) If it’s going to end with you both separated then it’s best you keep the house safe for you and the kids.

2025willbemytime · 14/03/2025 07:37

It's not unclear. She hasn't lost her father yet.

I think you need a solicitor. Explain that you want the house to be for your children and you need to protect it. I'd be very suspicious of your husband who said one thing, didn't do anything re a pre-nup, and now is threatening you as you want to protect yours and your children's inheritance.

When I saw this it had one reply. I now see your husband is terrible with money and of the mindset that what's yours is his and what's his is his.

Maray1967 · 14/03/2025 07:32

Flower0782 · 13/03/2025 22:14

As for finances being 50/50, my husband got short paid in his wages this month, he was approximately about £400 short. Out of my wages I’ve given him just over £600 to help with bills. I’ve asked him when he gets those wages back could he give me back £160 to help with one of my bills next month. He says he will have to see what his wages are like. I don’t know if I’m just over thinking things.

Get the divorce over - if you don’t want to be with him long term crack on with it, because if you inherit and move into your Dad’s place there us a good chance the house will be seen as a marital asset.

Moonnstars · 14/03/2025 07:29

This seems a very bizarre conversation. For all you know your dad could leave the house it charity. I have never considered what I would do with my share of my parents home when they die! (I would also like to think my parents spend their money enjoying their life, not worrying about leaving it to someone else).

Anyway your financial situation also sounds strange, you have lent him money for 'his' bills. Are they actually his bills or are they household bills?
It doesn't sound like you have ever worked as a team financially, and as others have pointed out people would be claiming the lower earner was being financially abused (if female and unable to access money).

If you don't want to be together and don't see yourselves as equal partners then divorce. I don't know why you are staying with him (though you do sound very money focused).

FortyElephants · 14/03/2025 04:58

If you are planning to separate do it now and get the divorce going as soon as you can, otherwise if you inherit a house you'll have to split it with him. It doesn't matter whose name is on the deeds since you're married so if there's any question about your future crack on now.

HomeTheatreSystem · 14/03/2025 04:53

Your husband does not sound like a true partner: he sees you as there to make up his shortfalls and to support him having free time to do his hobbies and his job in hours that suit only him which is adversely affecting your ability to work and earn more money. And he doesn’t do his share of household chores! I'm not sure staying together is going to be the best thing for you.

Should you inherit your dad's house and move into it as a family, then because you are married, it doesn't matter whose name the house is in. If you divorce, your DH would be entitled to half. You'd need legal advice to see if there was a way around this. (Also make sure you get a financial consent order at the time of divorce as without it your EX could come after any assets you may accrue in later years, and vice versa). You should know that the only way to keep an inheritance as solely yours is not to use it, or any part of it, for the benefit of the family. So if you inherited it and rented it out to boost your income that might be seen as benefitting the family and it would no longer be just yours even if it is still only in your name. I'm just signposting watchouts here: you need professional legal advice on the matter.

Don't count on inheriting the house: you may find your dad has care needs that cannot be met at home and would need to sell to cover those. Or he may meet someone, remarry and forget to make a new will to include you. You've not mentioned his age or state of health but these are considerations.

Really your starting point in this whole matter should be, do I really want to spend the rest of my life with this misogynistic prick? I guess you need to imagine leaving DH, funding your own rental and never inheriting from your dad. If that's something that you think you like the sound of over staying with someone who is taking advantage of you and causing you to feel financially insecure, then do it.

thepariscrimefiles · 14/03/2025 04:13

Flower0782 · 13/03/2025 22:14

As for finances being 50/50, my husband got short paid in his wages this month, he was approximately about £400 short. Out of my wages I’ve given him just over £600 to help with bills. I’ve asked him when he gets those wages back could he give me back £160 to help with one of my bills next month. He says he will have to see what his wages are like. I don’t know if I’m just over thinking things.

Yeah, he sounds like a twat. As other posters have said, if you inherit the house while you are still married, it becomes a marital asset. You need to divorce him before you inherit the house.

Jane958 · 14/03/2025 03:02

Having read your updated comments, OP, it seems like things are not going too well in the marriage.
As your father is still alive, I would sort things out with your husband first, including making a clean break, if that is what it takes.

healthybychristmas · 14/03/2025 02:01

Nothing focuses the mind on a marriage like a potential inheritance. Basically if you're with him when you inherit it's his to share. If you're not then it's not. He has the right to buy his own property too. Don't deny him that. A man would have to be pretty near perfect before I'd share my parents' hard earned money with him.

Leafy74 · 14/03/2025 01:41

Either you want marriage or you don't. You can't pick and choose which bits you want.

ForPoliteHam · 14/03/2025 01:13

What an absolute cow you're being. Obviously your being unreasonable and as a lot of people have noted, if this was reversed you'd be told how unreasonable your husband was, blah blah blah.

GravyBoatWars · 14/03/2025 01:13

First, assuming you're in the UK what you're envisioning is unlikely to hold up in court in case of divorce. Your inheritance would become a matrimonial asset when you use it for joint/family benefit (including buying a family home) and when a married couple buys a family home it is a matrimonial asset regardless of whose name is on the deed.

But ignoring that and considering the arrangement you're asking him to accept at face-value... the problem is that you're putting him in a position where the only way he could build equity of his own or have the security of knowing he can't be tossed out and left homeless at any time is to leave you. Which of those two mutually exclusive options would you choose if he presented them to you? Would you feel he was valuing your security and wellbeing?

If your marriage is on shaky ground then table any talk of buying houses and work on the issues. There are compromises available that look after the security of both spouses but you'll have to get yourself to a place where you actually want that. If your father passes you can sell the home and keep the proceeds completely separate and unspent to prevent it becoming a marital asset.

I'm wondering how this was brought up again when your father is still living and why. Was someone trying to make a point about something deeper?

Beeloux · 14/03/2025 00:46

Divorce before your dad passes and make sure to get a clean break order. Without the clean break order, he can come after a portion of the inheritance even many years post divorce.

AffableApple · 14/03/2025 00:44

Flower0782 · 13/03/2025 22:04

I think it might be worth mentioning that we are in rented property at the moment, and about 2 months ago I was looking at renting elsewhere for just myself and the children. It’s a whole other story, but it was mainly down to not being able to get another job because of his inability to be flexible when it comes to his working hours and hobbies, expecting me to do everything round the house apart from maybe throwing a wash in the dryer now and then, and the way he has been speaking to me recently. I guess I’m not as secure in the relationship as what I used to be.

Then you should strongly consider getting divorced now, before your father dies. Or the house will most likely be considered a marital asset.

Franjipanl8r · 14/03/2025 00:34

Why does him not having his name on the house matter? You’re married so it’d be a shared asset. Just leave him if you want to leave him, telling him you don’t know what the future holds is cruel.

Shatteredallthetimelately · 14/03/2025 00:25

SleepDeprivedButAlive · 13/03/2025 22:05

Then get a divorce. Before your dad dies.

Yes...agree get divorced sooner rather than later

Also make sure you have a final financial order in place as it would be terrible if your DH/ex DH came into money and had to share it with you.

everychildmatters · 14/03/2025 00:19

What do you do for work, OP? If you're earning an OK wage and you did separate this will help massively, but I can also see that you'd want the security of your dad's place too upon divorce.

ThDanielDay · 14/03/2025 00:15

" He could obviously treat it as his home al"

Such benevolence. He's got himself a real catch there.

Namechangean · 14/03/2025 00:09

Mudflaps · 14/03/2025 00:01

I doubt this is true, once she inherits it becomes a marital asset as far as I know. If she's planning to divorce him it's a case of getting it done and sorted before she inherits.

I don’t think it does. If you win the lottery for example, it’s only in one persons name, if they leave their wife it’s not a marital asset. But if they put it in a joint account or buy family assets like a house, car etc all of those become marital assets.

So if they move in to the house or sell to buy a new family home, it’s a family asset, if she were to sell and put in to investments in her own name then they would be her asset alone

WhereYouLeftIt · 14/03/2025 00:09

Flower0782 · 13/03/2025 22:04

I think it might be worth mentioning that we are in rented property at the moment, and about 2 months ago I was looking at renting elsewhere for just myself and the children. It’s a whole other story, but it was mainly down to not being able to get another job because of his inability to be flexible when it comes to his working hours and hobbies, expecting me to do everything round the house apart from maybe throwing a wash in the dryer now and then, and the way he has been speaking to me recently. I guess I’m not as secure in the relationship as what I used to be.

If you are married when you inherit, it would be considered a marital asset should you later divorce and he would be entitled to a share.

If you don't want him to benefit from your inheritance, divorce him before your dad dies.

And his behaviour within your marriage is NOT "a whole other story" - it is THE story, and what you should be prioritising. If your relationship is failing, if he wants a skivvy not a wife, if he has no respect for you; then look to divorcing him. Now.