To not get married before buying a house?

9 replies

plugin12 · 01/04/2023 20:44

Sorry posted here for traffic really as want to sort this asap.

Have partner of 15 years , 3 children and I'm a stay at home mum, about to buy a house together , 65% deposit from me (inheritance) and the rest a mortgage in both of our names but will be paid for by him. No reason we are not married just not particularly fussed but would both be happy to go ahead if it benefits us.

If the worst was to ever happen would his life insurance pay off the mortgage ok and any money left to me or kids or could his mum/other family claim some if we are not married ? Or try claim money from the house ?

Thanks !

OP posts:

yoyo1234 · 01/04/2023 20:53

Try to protect yourself from separation as well as death. Ring fence your deposit share of the property. Ensure he has a will leaving his assets to you and your children (bare in mind he can change his will as he wishes though). What happens if something happens to you he marries/partners someone else and leaves all assets previously yours to her and/or her children. Basically get legal advice to protect yourself.

Mummyexpat · 01/04/2023 20:54

I believe you’d need to get wills drawn up as you wouldn’t automatically inherit due to not being married. Might also be worth checking whether you can be named as beneficiary on policies. But, if these things are done, there shouldn’t be any issues. Best to check with a solicitor though as I’m not one! Good luck!

yoyo1234 · 01/04/2023 20:56

Life insurances generally allow you to name recipients 😀

CheersForThatEh · 01/04/2023 20:56

It will be a costly mistake not to take legal advice.

Original poster

plugin12 · 01/04/2023 20:59

Would a lot of these issues be resolved if we just got married? Because we are open to that , I think we just assumed because we had the 3 children that would mean the house/money stayed with them. I believe my partners mum would try to take any money if she had the opportunity despite the children.

OP posts:

Butterwicky · 01/04/2023 21:01

You can probably get around it legally but it's probably easier and potentially cheaper just to have a quick registry office marriage/civil partnership.

Skyeheather · 01/04/2023 21:01

If your DP were to drop dead tomorrow and there is no will, everything of his will go to his next of kin, which is his children.

Mycathatesmecuddling · 01/04/2023 21:03

Hi next of kin would be his children not his mum but honestly the easiest and less messy way to sort this would be a quick civil ceremony

EyesOnThePies · 01/04/2023 21:33

Buy your house asTenants in Common and ask your solicitor to do a Deed of Trust saying you own the 65% deposit plus half of the mortgaged amount. )whether or not you get married)

Make sure you are named as beneficiary of the Life Insurance policy

Each make wills. As you have put in a bigger share of the equity I would leave your share of the house bin trust to your kids but with a life interest for your DP (which would allow him to carry on living in the house).

You should make wills whether or not you get married.

Does your DP have a pension? Are you named as beneficiary?

If you cover these points, an advantage for you in getting married is that you would be entitled to a share of his pension and his sole-name savings were you to divorce.

Flip