I am asking on behalf of my son
In March 2023 he married a Dutch national (who did not previously live in the UK) as of course it was the only way they could live together.
He bought 50% of a shared ownership house. Wife was not on the mortgage or deeds. They moved into the property in April 2023. July 2023 wife returned to the Netherlands where she had to remain until her spousal visa came through. This happened at the end of December 2023.
September 2024 she left him and lived with some local friends until Feb 2025. She has now returned to the Netherlands permanently as they have filed for divorce and her visa has been revoked.
She has now messaged saying that she wishes a financial settlement of £2500.
This in her opinion is half the visa cost and half the furnishing of the house cost (none of which she paid for)
The deposit for the house was all my sons. He also paid for all the furniture except half the bed and half the hoover. (there was an air fryer that she paid for and has taken). The payment for the visa was all her money. So I would say £10000 for the deposit that was his and £4500 for the Visa which was hers.
She lived in the house for a total of 11 months. In this time she paid a grand total of £800 towards any bills (including food) Of this £800 my son gave her back £400 when she left so she paid £400 living costs over 11 months.
Should he agree to pay £2.5k? Should he offer less? And would she be able to fight for any of the equity of the house? (to be honest on my calculations even if she was entitled to some of the equity I think she would only be looking at around 2.4K anyway)
I can see her point of view and I would advise my daughter to ask for similar but this isn't my daughter its my son who supported her all the time she lived here with no complaints and is feeling a little aggrieved
Many thanks for any help you can give and let me know if any more information is needed.