My long term partner of 15 years recently left for OW, i am devastated and am struggling to cope with the whole situation, i am not currently working but have savings in my name.
My parents left me some money with which i purchased a flat in London, i put down 50% deposit, Ex was named on this mortgage as i couldn't get one on my own (this was 2002) we sold the property 3 years later and made approx £20,000 profit, i then purchased a flat in Kent in cash using the proceeds for the flat , in my sole name.... subsequently i purchased another two flats in Kent, using some of my savings and mortgage loans (all in my name), they have since been sold not much profit was made approx £20,000. Which i used to purchase my current house...along with savings which i had made from my work...
My partner has not worked for approximately five years...he has been doing DIY on the properties, while i have been earning a good wage through my own ltd company and paying for all bills mortgage, his car loan, credit card etc, although my dividends went into a joint account wih him, i can demonstrate that this income came from my work and not his.
He has done some work on our current property, but has left it in 'half done' state with an unfinished loft conversion etc.....which will cost me approx £2-4,000 to get completed.
Ive had estate agents to view the property and understand that there is approx £40,000 equity in the property (excluding the £30,000 which i put down as a deposit).... he has made comments about him being entitled to something from the property if i choose to sell it....my solicitor is being very vague and tells me that he could have a claim but it would be hard for him to prove, but could cost £20,000 each in solicitors fees......
He lived off me for five years scott free and did nothing to bring money in, even the properties which we sold which he did work on yielded very little profit, our lifestyle was funded by my income......for the last 12 years i have earnt twice his income or more while he was working
As we were going to get married and have a family i gave up work approx 9 months ago to stay at home at his request, he started a business fitting kitchens etc....he made very little money and his income was heavily subidsed by my savings to the tune of approx £25,000.
I have evidence for all of the above....does he have a claim against me, can he prove it to be upheld in court?, i couldn't sleep last night because of this and im really angry that someone who i gave money too, loved supported and cared for is now trying to come back for more.......help!