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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

I own my house but my ex contributed to some work - can I be forced to sell

7 replies

Williamsmumofone · 12/04/2025 18:56

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience of going through a separation when they are the sole owners of a property but there have been financial contributions from their partners.

so background. I bought the house in my name, my mortgage, deposit all my money.
He didn’t have any money to put in plus I’ve worked tirelessly to buy the house (renovated my last 2 properties mainly myself to afford to climb the property ladder).
My partner ( now ex) had massive debts and had to sell his own property to pay the tax man back and some other debts. I’ve always wanted to keep our finances separate as he’s so bad with money.
Been together 4 1/2 years and have a 2 yr old son.
The mortgage has always been out of my account and he pays in to a joint account where most of the bills come out of and bits and pieces for our son. His $ contribution is the same as what the mortgage costs each month.
He has however paid a considerable amount towards renovations but he’s put probably 90% of the cost ‘through his business’ as a total tax dodge.

we have since split up and I recognise I have to pay him what he has contributed to the renovations but will I be forced to sell my home to do so?

just wondering if anyone has been in a similar position and what the outcome was.

Thank you!

OP posts:
Hadalifeonce · 12/04/2025 18:58

I think you should get some legal advice with this. Do you have complete records of what he paid for and when?

Hollyaddy · 12/04/2025 18:58

Are yiu married?if so then yes he will have a claim.

If not married then he has no claim. Morally you could do the right thing but legally it's unlikely he could make a claim unless you have documents to prove it wasn't a gift or In lieu of him paying yiu rent

millymollymoomoo · 12/04/2025 19:02

He may try to claim a beneficial interest.

Williamsmumofone · 12/04/2025 20:07

We aren’t married.
I don’t have any intention of screwing him over and not giving it to him back. I just wasn’t sure if I would be forced to sell or if it were like a debt I owed him and had to pay back over time.
I will definitely get legal advice

OP posts:
iamnotalemon · 12/04/2025 21:36

Even if you’re not married he may have a claim, so I’d seek legal advice. (It happened to a friend of mine)

millymollymoomoo · 13/04/2025 07:32

As said he may argue he now has a beneficial interest as he’s paid renovations and added value - the law may agree. Speak to a solicitor but if I was him I’d expect that back in a lump sum

he shouldn’t have paid this without an agreement in the first place.

Everystripesays · 13/04/2025 08:18

Hollyaddy · 12/04/2025 18:58

Are yiu married?if so then yes he will have a claim.

If not married then he has no claim. Morally you could do the right thing but legally it's unlikely he could make a claim unless you have documents to prove it wasn't a gift or In lieu of him paying yiu rent

This isn't true, he may have a claim. OP it's worth investing in legal advice for this.

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