living together/not married/need advice

PerpetualStudent

I'm in pretty much the same situation (check out my thread on house buying section if you're interested) and will almost definitely be getting a declaration of trust set up. From what I've read it's worth each getting seperate legal advice on it, making it as comprehensive as possible, and backing it up by both drawing up wills.

TBH I'm asking myself if nipping down the registry office isn't easier - but then I've not been married before so I probably would think that!

I won't say you're bonkers to get into this sitution (obiously, as I'm doing the same!), but you do need to cover yourself and have these conversations with your partner at the outset - start googling declarations or deeds of trusts and have a chat with a solicitor experienced in this area....

lika_86

If your partner is being offered the mortgage on his own that means he can afford to pay it on his own. Let him do that, you put away into a savings account in your sole name the amount that you would be paying towards the mortgage each month and then in 6 years time (or less) when your credit is repaired, reassess and either re-mortgage or buy somewhere new. That way you're protected and build a back-up fund if it doesn't work out.

MrSmartprice

This sort of situation is, in my view, the main purpose of marriage. It is a legal process which protects the interests of couples above all else.

Where there are properties, residual pensions, children by previous relationships etc, far better to do the deed and then make a will afterwards to ensure everyone is protected. It's not even expensive unless you want it to be.