How protected am I if we separate?

[Ursulabea]

My now Dh and I were in a long term relationship. We were planning for me to move to his town and so he decided to buy a bigger house in preparation. Although he bought it in his sole name we always considered it to be very much both of our houses. This was roughly about 6 years ago.

I have now lived with him for 3 years and we have been married for two.

We have separate finances, he earns a lot more than me and pays all the household bills and the mortgage.

If we ever divorced, where would I stand in terms of the house?

Well I'm no solicitor but if you are married then surely you would get something but if the house was bought from funds from just him and on his name I am not sure sure someone will be along soon with some sound advice

I think if you divorce now, after only two years of marriage and you contributing nothing, you wouldn’t be entitled to very much if anything. Do you work? Do you have children together?

Did you pay any of the deposit ?

If you divorce the house will go into the pot to be divided between you. The fact that it is in his sole name is irrelevant. At the moment this is a short marriage (3 years - the period of cohabitation immediately prior to marriage counts) and you are keeping your finances separate. That is likely to limit your claim against the house. It is likely you would get more once this is no longer a short marriage.

No I didn’t pay any of the deposit.

Thank you for the really good advice. I don’t believe we will get divorced but dh mentioned putting me on the deeds, I’m just not sure if it’s needed

Why wouldn’t you want to be on the deeds?

I do if it protects me, I just wasn’t sure if I was already protected because we are married.

Putting you on the deeds may make it easier if he dies but will make no difference if you divorce.

Yes, get on the deeds, and make a will if you have children.