How would you split your stuff?

charlie792

Hi - posting on behalf of a friend.

Her and her partner have been together for 5 years, not married, no kids but rent a flat together - financially both independent, each pay 50/50 of bills and costs of household items.
My friend has decided that things just arn't going anywhere anymore and is thinking about ending things but she want's to know where she stands on things that have been bought jointly.
When they moved in together the property was unfurnished so they bought a whole load of furniture which she gave him 50% of the money for literally everything from the mattress down to a vase so technically everything is jointly owned.

She's wondering if she wants to keep some of the things she should offer to buy him out and give him money for the other half? Likewise if he wants to keep things should she expect money for it?

Likewise she wants to know what happens to things that they've been given as a couple or if it depends on who gave them to you. For example the microwave was from her parents at Christmas, the tv was given to them by her friend and the dining table was from her partners family.


Thanks

LittleMrsThrifty

There is no hard and fast rule for situations like this - it all comes down to finding a solution which they both feel is fair, or at least a fair compromise. Are either of them likely to want to stay in the rented flat on their own? If so then it would seem sensible for the person staying to keep the furniture - and pay the other for their 'share'. It is very difficult to place a value on such items as they are essentially 'used', but at the same time the other is likely to need to re-purchase these items at their full cost price and would need the funds to do this. The alternative would be that they divide everything between.

When I split with my ex he stayed on in the house so it made sense for him to keep all the furniture. We agreed a 'value' for everything and he paid me 50% of it. There were some items we excluded because one or other of us had a sentimental attachment, or because they were purchased by us or as a gift etc. But really it's about your friend and her ex finding a solution they are both content with.