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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

Original poster

Would I be responsible for my separated husband’s boat costs if he dies?

39 replies

Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 12:24

I wonder if anyone can help me with a question.

I separated from my husband over a year ago, but we are still married. I haven't really felt the need to start divorce proceedings yet, and we are still friends. He is in his late 60s and has quite poor health.

Whereas I rented a house for myself, my husband bought a boat which is in a marina. He lives in it all year around. He has been shocked at how many expenses he has and how many bills he needs to pay, but hey - it was his choice.

But it got me thinking, should he die (heaven forbid) would I be liable for the boat / mooring fees etc ?

He doesn't have a Will.

I have been looking online and in some places it seems to appear not as everything is in his name only. But then on other sites it appears, as his natural beneficiary, I would be liable.

OP posts:
Original poster
Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 15:26

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 28/05/2026 14:41

@Belladog1Yes, that sounds sensible or it is your problem. Both of you need a will too and any existing Will is not valid on divorce. He’s dodging responsibility really.

I actually made a Will when we separated with a caveat that my husband shouldn't inherit anything. Would I still need to update it?

OP posts:
MeetMeOnTheCorner · 28/05/2026 14:41

@Belladog1Yes, that sounds sensible or it is your problem. Both of you need a will too and any existing Will is not valid on divorce. He’s dodging responsibility really.

Original poster
Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 13:37

Thank you very much everyone for your input. I appreciate it. I think a divorce is on the cards and I will talk to him about it. It's the natural next step anyway.

OP posts:
Jellox · 28/05/2026 13:07

One of the reasons we hadn't talked about divorce was because neither of us were seeing anyone else, but it was my idea to separate and he plunged into depression. He is a little brighter now the sun is out and he has made friends at the marina, but I fear I might tip him over the edge again if I mention divorce.

Could you start by just gently asking him what you need to do if he dies and you’re left with the boat - can he make a list of expenses to pay, how to sell, is there legal paperwork like a log book for a car etc.
And then you can judge his mood and eventually gently mention whether it’s easier to divorce and then you won’t have that worry.

If the worst does happen then I’d sell it for next to nothing or give it for free then you don’t have any of the hassle.
(You may lose out money but it will probably balance out if you can’t sell it for years anyway).

ShetlandishMum · 28/05/2026 13:06

Get your divorce done.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 28/05/2026 13:02

@Belladog1 You need to actually get divorced and have a financial arrangement agreed by the court. As you are married, the boat would be yours with no will. So you are very silly not divorcing. He could grow up and write a will of course. Leave the boat to someone else?

Burene · 28/05/2026 12:45

Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 12:35

Unfortunately he told me that some of the boats on the marina can take years to sell. I am just seeing £ signs in my future! The one he bought was unsold for about 8yrs.

Show quote history

In that case it might be best if you don’t accept the inheritance? I think you can legally do that but you should check it out with your solicitor.
www.kctrust.co.uk/help/can-a-beneficiary-refuse-something-left-to-them-in-a-will

DurinsBane · 28/05/2026 12:44

Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 12:35

Unfortunately he told me that some of the boats on the marina can take years to sell. I am just seeing £ signs in my future! The one he bought was unsold for about 8yrs.

Show quote history

I would assume as his next of kin you would be liable. But anything can sell if you make it cheap enough

BatshitCrazyWoman · 28/05/2026 12:43

If he isn't going to make a will, then divorce is the thing that will legally and financially separate you both. Doesn't have to be acrimonious, it sounds like it will merely be a formality. While you are still married, you are legally and financially linked.

Original poster
Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 12:39

Jellox · 28/05/2026 12:27

I don’t know the legal side of it but if you are friends with him still could you not speak to him about your concerns and say you want to get divorced so you don’t have that worry?

If both of you agree to a divorce and don’t have any assets to split etc, then it’s apparently very straightforward.

I’m just thinking this might be easier than having to deal with the boat and fees after he’s died.

No, we don't have any assets to split. When we separated we sold our house and split everything 50/50. We took from the house whatever we wanted and threw everything else in 3 skips.

He isn't looking after himself and I really can't see him sorting out a Will. He can't even sort out his pensions !!

One of the reasons we hadn't talked about divorce was because neither of us were seeing anyone else, but it was my idea to separate and he plunged into depression. He is a little brighter now the sun is out and he has made friends at the marina, but I fear I might tip him over the edge again if I mention divorce.

OP posts:
Original poster
Belladog1 · 28/05/2026 12:35

Burene · 28/05/2026 12:26

I mean, if you inherit the boat you are responsible for it. You could sell it?

Unfortunately he told me that some of the boats on the marina can take years to sell. I am just seeing £ signs in my future! The one he bought was unsold for about 8yrs.

OP posts:
Larrythecatforpm · 28/05/2026 12:29

Yes you would be liable if he leaves it to you, the two ways round this is either divorce or he writes up a will & leaves it to someone else.

Jellox · 28/05/2026 12:27

I don’t know the legal side of it but if you are friends with him still could you not speak to him about your concerns and say you want to get divorced so you don’t have that worry?

If both of you agree to a divorce and don’t have any assets to split etc, then it’s apparently very straightforward.

I’m just thinking this might be easier than having to deal with the boat and fees after he’s died.

Burene · 28/05/2026 12:26

I mean, if you inherit the boat you are responsible for it. You could sell it?

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