Moving on - but money ...

[NewYearDear]

Name changes but long time contributor! I’m so happy to see the really positive posts from those deciding to quit toxic / bad relationships as of now and move to a fresh and exciting start in 2018! I’m in a similar boat only for various reasons I can’t pull the rip cord yet. But a (really not very positive, sorry) question you might be able to help with .... between now and the relationship ending I could inherit some money (not much at all but would help with a new start - plus I’m in debt having had fewer earnings whilst on mat leave) is there anything I could put in place legally to prevent him taking half of my money when we split as we are long term co-habitees with kids. Everything else jointly owned (house/car). I guess like a pre-nup but for non marrieds? Whether he’s sign anything I don’t know but would be good to know if you had any pointers. Thanks so much.

If you are not married, assets or savings in your sole name are prima facie your own.

Just don't put it in a joint account, or use it to reduce the mortgage.

Or reduce joint debts, just keep all money solely in your name. Sounds like you are increasing your debt because he won't support the loss of earning on ML

Agree with PP, if you’re not married then he can’t touch your savings, so ensure it’s kept in your sole name.

You seem to be working on the theory that Common Law husbands/wives are a real thing. Be assured that they really do not have any standing whatsoever in law.

Anything currently in joint names is joint property. Anything in sole names, yours or his, is the sole property of the named person. You each have no claim on each others savings, pensions etc.

So if you don't have a sole account, set one up now and if/when you get that inheritance have it put into that new account. Maybe open a new account anyway... disconnect your finances now, if they are in any way connected. It is very easy to do!

Thank you for such sound advice. Yes RandomMess, yes. I was just worried because a family member put significantly more into a property with a common law husband and when they split a lawyer said it would be sold and split 50/50 - even though equal contribution to household a - but that was in joint names.

@NewYearDear that would happen if the house were put into joint names, then it is split 50/50 - if one put significantly more than the other, it should be registered as tenants in common in unequal shares with a percentage split of how it should be shared.

Keep it all in your sole name and you will be fine with the law as it currently stands 👍

Thank you, so helpful. Night ladies x