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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DP wants me to sign over 50% of the business or he's out.

176 replies

TrickyThings · 07/10/2022 06:45

Quick backstory:

I moved to the EU to work as an au pair aged 27. I met DP and we pursued a relationship- he was 40 at the time.

Flashforward 1 Yr, we are living in his rental house in derelict part of the countryside. I'm pregnant.
We move during the pregnancy ( I wanted to be in the city , near opportunity). His friend offers cheap flat in very rough estate, I agree. I'm desperate to move.

Hes admittedly 'not worked for 20yrs'. Always relying on state and black money through projects and gigs. I was sick of being broke, so i set up an online business 18months ago.

This is the first full year of the business and it is set to turnover 200k. Now DP wants 50-50 partnership in it (changes status next year to limited company). I have my reservations because:

-we have a volatile relationship
-he has a drug problem
-he has unresolved past bank issues/ fines
-he does black money / illegal parties
-if he doesn't 'feel like' working he won't, (but he has got better)
-we had very traumatic couple years when DS was baby as he would disappear and party with his (20 years younger) mates and be wrecked all weekend.
-he never wanted me to legitimise the business in the first place, he wanted to stay on benefits and I said I didn't want this.

Granted, he's given good pointers to the business and now helps a lot because it makes money. That said the other issues still exist re drugs (disappearing / lying) and still, undeclared income.

Also,

-We aren't married. I bought the house we live in outright earlier this year.
-Every single bill is on my name.

He does
-almost 50 50 childcare
-all the practical house stuff including renovation works since we moved in earlier this year.
-most of paperwork because it's more convient (re language).

I come from a large family with plenty of support emotionally and financially. He comes from the complete opposite thus has nobody to talk to. This also means something regarding the epic power struggle between us.

DS is now 4 and in school. I work full time very hard, DP works when necessary but does other stuff and also has his own side project which is his passion and priority in life.

DP had a relapse this weekend and has been sick and useless all week because of it.

Yeaterday, after advice from a relative, I proposed he become a (well) paid employee he went ballistic. I mean ballistic. AIBU that I don't trust signing over half my business when I don't fully trust him? Very complex , any advice warmly welcomed!!

(For the record i have nothing against state benefits, I just did not want to raise my child on them. )

OP posts:
OnTheBrinkOfChange · 07/10/2022 06:47

Why on earth would you do that? Seriously, you'd have to be insane to give him ownership.

I wouldn't even employ him. I'd pay for childcare and for translation and separate from him.

WhiskeyMakesMeFrisky · 07/10/2022 06:48

Get rid!!

Monkerina · 07/10/2022 06:48

Call his bluff. Do NOT just hand over the valuable business you have built with so little support from him. That's without even thinking about the drugs, work ethic, abandonment etc

pilates · 07/10/2022 06:49

Sounds like a very toxic relationship.
No I would not sign over your business to him. In fact I would seriously think about your options and leave him. He sounds awful.

Aprilx · 07/10/2022 06:50

Never mind about the business, why you are even staying in this relationship is the question you should be asking.

SquishyGloopyBum · 07/10/2022 06:50

Your pregnant again to this druggie? Why?

Put your children first and leave.

Mamette · 07/10/2022 06:50

Whatever about your business, I’m struggling to see why you would share your life with him.

melchim · 07/10/2022 06:51

Please escape this hideous relationship. You're worth much, much more.

OnTheBrinkOfChange · 07/10/2022 06:51

You should see his remark as a promise not a threat. Say okay I won't sign it over so off you go.

endofthelinefinally · 07/10/2022 06:51

He will never change. Thank goodness you are not married. Get out now and don't sign anything over to him.

Goodadvice1980 · 07/10/2022 06:51

Pack his suitcase & don’t let the door hit him on the arse on the way out.

Model a better future for your son. You don’t need to be with this waster.

notdaddycool · 07/10/2022 06:52

with his personality you need an exit plan, whether or not you end up using it. If you break up and he controls half the business you’re virtually destitute. The most I’d offer is a profit share, not written down and something you could cancel at a moments notice but don’t give him a controlling influence.

AwkwardSquad · 07/10/2022 06:52

Good Lord, no. Protect yourself, your child and your finances, above all else. He’s a liability. I’d start moving the responsibility for the paperwork away from him too.

FaazoHuyzeoSix · 07/10/2022 06:54

This guy is bad news generally.
It's quite right that you shouldn't trust him. He is not trustworthy and having a person of that ilk as an actual co-owner of the business would doom the business.

If he is setting ultimatums like that he is telling you loud and clear that he is a cad. Believe him, and end it.

BoxcarMilly · 07/10/2022 06:55

@Aprilx Never mind about the business, why you are even staying in this relationship is the question you should be asking.

^^ this with bells on.

You need to formulate an exit plan and fast.

whokilledlizandseb · 07/10/2022 06:56

Why are you even with this parasite?
Get rid of him, keep your house and your business and leave him to his shady shit,

Lougle · 07/10/2022 06:56

Unfortunately, this man is not for you. You have different life goals and different values.

What is it that you do? Seriously well done for getting a business up and running!!

Swampmonster1988 · 07/10/2022 06:57

Leave him. Do it today.

RampantIvy · 07/10/2022 06:58

Why are you still with him? He sounds awful.

Get rid.

HappyKoala56 · 07/10/2022 07:01

Just no. No no no no no. Please do not give in to his demands. I think you know deep down that your relationship is not forever when he can't change his ways for you and your children - don't make the inevitable split harder by having to give him half of for life

CliffsofMohair · 07/10/2022 07:03

channel your inner Usain Bolt here and absolutely run.
christ in a bike. What am I reading.

MissHavershamReturns · 07/10/2022 07:04

You need legal advice in the country you are in op. Ask a family lawyer how best to protect your assets if he or you want to initiate a split.

StopStartStop · 07/10/2022 07:05

Are you fucking joking? Get out of there and take your money with you!
It's nearly 9am, get on with it!

Alleycat1 · 07/10/2022 07:06

Well, I guess he's out then!
Seriously, why would you even contemplate sharing your oxygen with this total loser of a man? If.you make.him a partner what is to stop him taking your money? You have achieved success all on your own and can do better.

Pollydon · 07/10/2022 07:07

Get rid of the druggie, find childcare and take on an employee re the paperwork.
This man is awful.