Where do I stand

[Loroad]

Hi I’ll try and keep this short but I really need some advice on what to do.

My partner of 20+ years has been having an affair. We currently live together and have done for the most of our relationship. He’s not asked me to leave but obviously I can’t continue living with him after his deceit. The thing is the house is in his name and he has always paid the mortgage and bills etc. My money has always been my own. He has said if I want to go he will pay for me to rent a place for a year as I have poor credit rating and he will top the money up to 30k. After that I’m on my own. Is this fair? We have shared a life together and 30k doesn’t seem enough compensation after all these years and his cheating. We don’t have any children together. Has anyone got any advice on my rights legally? I don’t have lots of money to enlist a solicitor but I also don’t want to leave with less than I’m entitled to.

Are you married op?

You're entitled to half the assets! Seek legal advice now and DO NOT leave the house.

Sorry just seen you're not married.

Might be a different kettle of fish then.

If you’re not married you’re unlikely to have a claim
You’ll need to demonstrate your financial investment and only get back that if anything
Other than that it’s his I’m afraid

Are you married as if not I would take the 30k. However best to get legal advice

Definitely seek legal advice .
My sister recently separated from a much shorter term boyfriend and he sought money from her. He got quite a lot.

Mot necessarily, did you buy furniture ? Any decorating , maintenance? I don’t think it’s as simple as get out after 20years. Although maybe his offer is enough.

No we’re not married. So you think 30k is fair? I had some inheritance but I owed him some of this as he paid of some of my debt the rest went towards building an extension. That was at the beginning of our relationship so some years ago. I stupidly didn’t get anything in writing to say this. Other than that he’s paid for everything

Post in MN legal and look for a legal pro locally who might offer a free initial chat to work out if it's worth pursuing.

Given you're not married, you are very lucky he will give you a single £, because he doesn't have to. I would also not depend on the fact he actually will.

He might have cheated but he’s been extremely reasonable funding your life for 20 years and offering you a free roof over your head and a salary for nothing even though you’re splitting up.

It’s his house and his money and as you never married you’re not entitled to any of it.

Do you work?

I would say paying towards an extension is significant.
Seek legal help. You were in a common law marriage .
You’re also not ‘lucky’ that you had a free roof over your head , what the hell does that even mean?
You were in a relationship and it’s broken down. Get some solid good advice, and meet a few people first don’t just agree with the first person you meet.
Maybe his offer is fair , maybe it isn’t . Someone in the profession will be able to help.

Are you in Scotland, OP?

If so, you do have cohabitation rights & can make a claim under section 28 of the family law act 2006.

from what you say you've lived free for 20 years sounds like he's offering back what you paid with 30k
Don't want to sound harsh but you say you've contributed very very little lived rent free just sound grabby TBH.

You were in a common law marriage

When will people finally stop perpetuating the myth that this is a thing in the U.K.? It’s not.

OP and her ex are two separate legal entities. If people want to be considered married they should get married.