We're getting a divorce - not started the paperwork yet but that's tomorrow's job - initiated by me.
Over the years I have paid for everything 'big' and he has contributed 50% to standard, day-to-day living expenses. For example I paid for our wedding. I bought the car. I bought furniture. I pay for the car insurance in a yearly lump sum. I paid off his debts (£2k).
I also paid 100% of the deposit on our house from an inheritance trust; over £110k. We've only been married 2.5 years, bought the house 1.5 years ago. I also paid all the solicitor fees and stamp duty.
H says he can't leave the house until he gets some money. He's asking for 50% of the equity, which in total is my deposit plus about 10k that we've paid off/house has increased in value.
I saw a solicitor on Thursday who said that inheritance is 'protected' and not put into the 'marriage pot', but that this isn't strictly enforceable by law. But basically, solicitor said he shouldn't expect anywhere near the amount he is asking for. I've offered him £5k, which he has turned down. He's still in the family home and says he won't leave until he gets the money.
What do I do? Can anyone tell me more about whether my inheritance is protected or whether in buying the house as joint owners my 'right' to that money has gone? He is saying that he is entitled to it and we will have to sell the house. My DS (16 months) and I will be unable to get another mortgage as I currently have a very sporadic freelance job.
Very scared 