Paying for upkeep of house.

[4seasons]

My son is getting divorced. He moved out to a rented flat leaving his wife and son … son is late teens … in a jointly owned mortgage - free house. He’s received an email from her saying he is legally responsible for the upkeep of the house and asking for money. Apparently an appliance has broken and needs replacing. Is this correct ? Is he really legally responsible for this ?

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https://instagram.com/thelegalqueen?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thank you. I’ll do this.

Does he have a solicitor? If not he needs to get one.

Yes , they both have solicitors. She is wealthy and owns properties abroad but is convinced that she is entitled to half the house and half his pension . She thinks that her assets are hers alone but that she should get half of his. What a mess !!

What sort of appliance?

I’d imagine the answer is that something like a boiler = essential to the house, so falls under 50% his responsibility. A dishwasher or fridge, though, would be her responsibility 100% because they’re not integrated fixtures.

Washing machine !

Yeah, he doesn’t need to pay for that! I assume he has the use of a washing machine at his rented place, or pays to use the launderette. He doesn’t need to contribute to an appliance he won’t use that isn’t a fixture of the house.

On a wider point, though, he will be liable for other essential maintenance if needed so they should get their split sorted ASAP if she’s likely to be difficult.

Thanks for your advice.