House in spouse's name only

[Retiredandskint]

House in spouse's name only even though we've been married for 25 years. It was always a bone of contention that he wouldn't add mine.

Have been told by a solicitor that unless I have contributed to the house (home improvements, etc) I won't be entitled to a share in a divorce.

I worked P/T & earned a low wage, whilst raising the DC, so didn't really contribute that way, although I bought the food & paid for childcare & their clothes.

I did pay for a new bathroom many years ago but not sure I could find the receipts now.

Has anyone experienced similar?

My house is in my name only. Pre dating us meeting. I have soley paid all bills, maintenance and mortgage contributions.

i have always understood in divorce dh can make a claim.

however if I die I can leave it to whoever I choose. Currently my kids, with a life interest for dh.

It sounds to me like that solicitor is giving out wrong advice.
If you had a short marriage it may be the case that you wouldn't be entitled to any of it (I divorced my husband after a short marriage and was able to keep all of the house I owned prior to marriage even though we both lived there while married). After 25 years that wouldn't apply though and id expect the starting point for negotiation to be 50 50. And for any pensions to be in the pot too.

Not entirely true; your husband could make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if he felt you had failed to make reasonable provision for him in your Will.

He has a life interest. He will live in my house until he dies or remarried. He can sell the house and use the proceeds to buy somewhere else if he wishes.

the only difference is he cannot leave the house to anyone, it goes to whoever I specify in my will.

he will also get my pensions.

he is provided for. I don’t need to leave him the house to do that.