Living together for 10 years. 2 kids. House in his name. Do I have rights?

[DevOnn]

Hi. I've been living with my partner for 10 years. We're not married. We have 2 kids together but the house is in his name. We're separating - do I have any rights whatsover to the house, to financial support to anything?

Child maintenance yes but not spousal. Have you been paying the mortgage?

See a Solicitor as it depends but I am pretty sure you won't have the same rights as if you were married. IF you can prove a contribution to the house then maybe you can get some of that back

Child maintenance depending on arrangements, but possibly not the house

That’s about it I’m afraid. Worth a quick solicitor meeting to see if there’s any way you can argue for something more but it may be up to him. Are you planning to take the kids with you? Do you have money as deposit for your own place? Are you working?

Have you been paying or contributing to the mortgage? If you have it’s possible there’s a claim but if he’s been paying it from his account then no.

You should have child benefit for your DC and then there will be child maintenance. If you’re on a low wage you can claim universal credit too which if you get that you can access eg a social tariff for broadband and warm homes discount.

There are some legal routes to dispute ownership / make claims for children but it’s complicated and different laws than would be used for a married couple. You may get child maintenance and should check your benefit entitlement as a single person.

No rights except for child support if the children will be with you for more than 50%, otherwise not even that.

The only claim you could make is if you paid for something like a house extension or conservatory etc in which case have a one off consultation with a solicitor.

For the house, nothing at all, unless you have paid towards the mortgage and there is documented evidence. Only child support.

Legal protections have to be opted in to, by way of marriage contracts, being on house deeds, etc.
If you've paid the deposit for the property or towards renovations you could pay a solicitor to see if you can get any money.
Here's a link to the differences between just being housemates and marriage.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/living-together-marriage-and-civil-partnership/living-together-and-marriage-legal-differences/

It’s very complicated when you’re not married and you don’t jointly own the home. Unless you can prove you made a significant contribution ( and not just paying bills and a little towards the mortgage because we all have to pay to live somewhere ) then you may not be successful. Seek legal advice but I understand this type of legal action is very expensive

She will definitely get child support! That is not dependant on marriage -

For the house as far as I know the only way to be able to make a claim is if you can prove you paid something towards it

so see a solicitor on both counts

It's not a definite. If they go for 50/50 contact time and they earn similarly then she won't get child support.

Maybe. If you can prove you've made significant financial contribution to the house you might be able to argue a case for some equity. You'd need to see a solicitor.

You will get child maintenance if you have the children more than he does. Try the cm calculator.

You won't get any sort of financial support for yourself.

No rights to the property or his pension/savings.

If you have proof that you've paid the mortgage or proof that you've contributed to the upkeep of the property that might change

No Child Maintenance if he gets 50/50 access

No Spousal Maintenance

I'd see a solicitor

Before going straight to rights and legal, do try the amicably talking route as in your circumstances the law is not very helpful. Only child maintenance is likely and only if your aren’t 50/50. If he’s willing to give you a decent lump sum for instance it might be better to just take that rather than fight and risk nothing. If you can prove you contributed to the mortgage then there is a legal route but it’s far from guaranteed

Please tell me you haven't given up work to look after then kids? Very few rights if unmarried and none to the house unless you have proof of paying the mortgage.

Your right to any of the value of the house will depend on your financial contributions to the deposit, mortgage or any home improvements. You will need to be able to prove these contributions.
You need some legal advice. Some law firms offer a service where you can get a free consultation without any obligation. I think it is for 20 minutes, so you need to go in prepared with all your facts and figures.

Good luck, op. In the UK, it is not a great situation to separate if you are unmarried with children. 🌷

As many have said. Speak to a solicitor.

You can get child maintenance if you are the primary care giver. However the house is a complex situation, there have been cases where they have gone in different directions of what is a contribution and how to value it. Don’t take internet advice on the detail so the situation get a professional.