Does unmarried father of children have right to my property?

[IndiaBound]

Hi all,

I'm afraid I think it's coming to an end with my boyfriend of 8 years which is sad of course, especially for our two darling daughters.

I own the house, and have others as buy to let's, the current house he has lived in with me since I bought it three years ago, I pay the mortgage from my own account and all property matters, we jointly pay for things like garden flowers, minor fixtures and fittings, etc.

If we split, I'd obviously give him some money - he has a reasonable job but is no good at saving - to cover what we've jointly bought and probably the car he drives - which is mine and again I pay all the big bills.

I'm just wondering if he has any rights over the house, any of the properties, our home, etc?

Hopefully someone can offer some advice.

Thanks

G

of course not, why would he

As father of your children surely you'd want him to be housed for when he has them stay.

RedHelen If there relationship is ending why is it any of the OPs responsibility to make sure he has a home? As long as she maintains the home for the DC surely this it what matters? It sounds like OP plans to give him some money anyway to cove items they bought together.

OP if the house is in your name only and you are not married then he has no claim to any part of the house or your other properties.

Legally he might not but it sounds as though the op could ensure he is housed for when he has the children.

Redhelen - but why should OP house herself and the dc, and house her h who won't have the dc living with him, and presumably has a job?? Just because he's 'no good at saving' doesn't mean OP shouold have to bail him out. He's an adult.

Will he pay maintenance, OP?

And I'd get legal advice, I think, given the length of the relationship and the assets involved. He may have an interest in your house.

The CAB factsheet says:

The ownership of possessions can be complicated, but in general the rules are as follows:
 any goods you owned before you started living with your partner will remain yours
 any household goods which were bought or acquired while you were living with a partner are presumed to be owned equally
 any gifts or inherited goods belong to the person who received them
 property will be owned jointly if it was bought from money in a joint household expense account.

(www.citizensadvice.org.uk/.../f-living-together---your-rights-scotland-2.pdf)

So you're getting rid of your cocklodger! Good! Why would you give him money to continue driving a car YOU own?

If he's paid nothing towards the home then no, I wouldn't imagine he has a claim on the property, but you need legal advice on this. The fact that you aren't married and he hasn't contributed to the home, other than in minor ways, should be to your advantage. Marriage confers financial and property rights, so the lack of it should benefit you.

She hasn't said he's a cocklodger. It's not just about him it's about their children. She has enough properties to ensure he is adequately housed. If you were to reverse the sexes then OP would be seen as selfish.