NC for this as think relatives of BF may be on here.
Best friend moved in with partner. She bought in to her new partners property (lump sum) and and her partner took on a greater mortgage. She shared mortgage payments for a year before becoming pregnant and leaving work.
She then became a SAHM for 12 years. This caused a lot of rows with her partner , who said he was struggling with all bills and house costs as is self employed on lowing wage.
Bf felt that childcare and housework was more than enough 'share of the load' while baby was young . As the DD got older, BF was still resistant to working outside the home , as she felt that the years with DD at school were an opportunity to improve a 'craft' skill , with a view to doing this as a 'job' later on.
At some point the house was extended with BF contributing a further lump sum. The work was done by her partner. At this point a legal agreement was drawn up recognising her 30% share in the house. (Money has come from savings before partnership and an inheritance. )
The arguments about money continued. Her partner was very cross about her refusal to WOH or contribute financially towards bills/mortgage from savings.
Best friend did ALL the housework, shopping cooking and running their child around in work hours. (Partner did this after school/weekends)
They split.
Ex dp moved into rented. He seems a nice enough man but always at work so I don't know him very well. He seems quite placid though - and has child every weekend. They seem close.
Now the problem.
House has been on market for 2 years. EX partner pays the mortgage.
Child Maintenance
Phone/Broadband
Half Electricity
Water /Sewage
His own rent.
Best Friend pays Council Tax.
They have a buyer and solicitor has sent her the contract to sign. Best friend is distraught. Doesn't want to sign. Can't face losing her home and having to move. She has now taken on a small job for 16 hours a week so also gets tax credits. She feels that the best thing for the child is to remain in the family home. Partner refuses to continue to pay bills. Has told her if she signs he will increase the equity share to 50% . If she doesn't , he will withdraw the offer and go to court to get the court to allow the sale to proceed.
Can he do this ?
Best friend is a bit peculiar about money. Had a bad experience in the past that colours her attitude towards it and it now really worried she will lose her home especially as she has just admitted to me that as a family they claimed tax credits but none of that went in bills/house as she regarded this as her 'wage' for childcare and housework - and therefore put it in her own savings.
Her partners argument is that he has given her two years to find a full time job and now wants to move on and buy his own home with his share of the equity. He doesn't see why he should pay her bills - whilst she says he should support and house them both until the DD is 18 or 22 if she goes to Uni.
Can she be forced to sell. This behaviour from her ex is out of the ordinary as he is usually very much for an 'easy life' as BF gets very cross about money.
I can see both sides but can anyone tell me where she stands legally with regards being compelled to sell ?