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Advice needed re parents home

Hello, I wasn't sure where to put this.

My parents divorced years ago when they were going through a rough patch. However, they never actually split up and have continued to live together ever since.

They own a home which is in both their names. They are now starting to worry that if one of them were ever to need care, because they are not married the other would have to give up half of the home. Is this true or would they be ok?

Comments

  • cattie
    cattie Posts: 8,844 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I see you haven't had any replies yet. Why not give Age UK a call as I'm sure they have come across this sort of situation before & can advise.
    The bigger the bargain, the better I feel.

    I should mention that there's only one of me, don't confuse me with others of the same name.
  • Annisele
    Annisele Posts: 4,835 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    The rules are different in different parts of the UK.

    If they're in England, I think they will be OK - this page says:
    The value of the property will also be disregarded if it's occupied by the [care home] resident’s partner.

    Depending on the value of their estate, inheritance tax on death might be more of an issue.

    They could always get married again!
  • sulphate
    sulphate Posts: 1,235 Forumite
    According to this leaflet provided by AgeUK:
    http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Factsheets/FS38_Treatment_of_property_in_the_means-test_for_permanent_care_home_provision_fcs.pdf

    The value of your former home will be disregarded (ignored) if it is occupied by:
    - your partner (husband, wife, civil partner or someone you live with as though you are married or civil partners)


    If they are divorced though the local authority may decide that they are "housemates" or similar and will not have such a sympathetic view.
  • I think weather they are married or not, they both own the property so same rules will apply
  • ValHaller
    ValHaller Posts: 5,212 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I think weather they are married or not, they both own the property so same rules will apply
    There may be a difference for 'Tenants in Common' or 'Joint Tenants'. Joint Tenants would be safer, but nothing cast iron in this!
    You might as well ask the Wizard of Oz to give you a big number as pay a Credit Referencing Agency for a so-called 'credit-score'
  • jamie11
    jamie11 Posts: 4,436 Forumite
    A little white lie would solve the problem, they're trying to get back together!
  • Thanks for the responses. So it looks like they don't have to be married as long as they are partners. As the divorce was about 30 years ago and they just carried on living as if it didn't happen I'm hopeful that they won't be considered to be housemates.

    But as suggested I will try some other agencies as well.
This discussion has been closed.
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