Owning House with Ex Advice

PlainJaney

Hi,


I'm writing for some advice on behalf of my partner. He owns a house with a mortgage with his ex who lives in the house with his children. Since they split up and he moved out 18 months ago his ex has been paying the full mortgage amount although it's still in joint names. She won't be able to buy him out and he doesn't want to force a sale and move their children from their family home.
Although this is admirable he has struggled financially since splitting. I have loaned him money (now totalling a few thousand) to pay bills and buy food, yet he has still defaulted one some bills, had his mobile disconnected, and his lease car repossessed.
As he does not have a good communicative relationship with his ex he is of the mind to just write the house off and give it to her. I understand this is his choice, although I would like him to know what monetary value this is first before making such a huge decision.
The burning question I would like help with is who do we go and speak to about this? A solicitor, IFA? I would love to get some free initial advice, but if we have to pay something to someone to action something along the way, it might be money well spent. My partner openly admits he is not good with money and although I am quite financially savvy in a few areas I have no experience or knowledge on mortgages and owning property.


Many thanks in advance for any help and advice offered.

Thrugelmir

Pragmatic approach would be to let the ex remain in the property until the children have all left full time education. Then to sell the property and release his share of the equity. I assume that your partner is paying child maintenance to the ex. This in part will be assisting her to fund the mortgage.

While communication isn't easy for many people after a relationship has ended. Putting the proposal down in a carefully worded letter. Is an option worth considering.