I’m considering separating from my partner and would appreciate some advice, particularly from anyone who has been in a similar situation or can recommend a solicitor.
We’ve been together for 16 years, are not married, and have an 11-year-old daughter. We currently live in an EU country but plan to move back to the UK within the next few months, most likely to London.
I’ve spoken to a local family lawyer, who advised that, under the law here, most of our assets would broadly be divided equally. However, they recommended getting UK legal advice too, as the position for unmarried couples may be very different.
Our financial situation is as follows:
- We jointly own two properties in the EU, with a 50% share each.
- My partner works in finance in the City of London and will start an employed role with another company in January.
- I’m currently employed by his company, receive a salary and have health insurance through it. I also own 49% of the company.
- In practice, I’ve primarily been a stay-at-home mum, rather than actively working in the business. The current plan is for me to remain employed by the company after he starts his new role.
- We’ve shared income and dividends, and our savings are spread across our individual accounts and the company’s account.
I understand that unmarried partners don’t have the same rights as married couples in the UK. I’d like to understand what this could mean for my financial position, my company shareholding, and any provision for our daughter, particularly given that we’ve lived abroad for many years.
For context, returning to the UK is something I want independently of whether we stay together. Our daughter wants to return and start secondary school there, and I would have better career opportunities. We hold both British and EU citizenship.
Has anyone navigated a similar separation involving assets abroad and a jointly owned company? Recommendations for a solicitor experienced in unmarried couples and cross-border cases would be especially helpful.