Need advice on splitting up-House sale

Chooky

Hi all,

After nearly 22 years together I have come to the conclusion that it would be best if myself and my girlfriend went our separate ways. This is very painful for me I don't want to go into the reasons. I just want to explain that I want an amicable separation.
My question to the group concerns the property that we live in. She inherited this about 20 yrs ago and is the sole owner. I have paid my fair share of bills and helped to bring it to a presentable standard and with the property values in Scotland rocketing over the past few years, I would like to know if I am entitled to a share of the house sale (which is happening anyway, we are about to put it on the market).
I must say as well that if I'm not entitled to a share of the house then thats fine I'll just get on with it it would be good to know what my rights were though.
Has anyone any advice?

Best wishes

Spendless

What I was told when I bought house on own and queried what if I later moved a bf in that wanted a share if we split -is that each case is decided on its own merit. It is different if you married, and it might also be different if you have kids together though I'm not totally sure. Also I'm in England the law may be different in Scotland.

Another member may be able to help if not contact somewhere like CAB for advice

margaretclare

Hi

It definitely is different in Scotland, because there they have the concept of 'marriage by habit and repute' i.e. what is sometimes called 'common-law marriage', which doesn't exist in England.

You need to be asking the Scots on this board!

Aunty Margaret

Ember999

Hi Hon,

You have nothing to worry about! In Scotland the law is very different to England, and a lot fairer! If you have lived with someone as 'common-law' husband/wife but are not married for over 2 years you are entitled to make a claim on any property you have lived in that is owned by your partner. You don't even need to have contributed any money to the property/bills etc. (just like if you were a stay-at-home mum, non-working girlfriend etc) so you have nothing to worry about!

Get yourself a good solicitor and from what I know about Scottish law you should be looking at 50% of the equity of the property just like you would if you were married.

Let us know how you get on,

Ember

Chooky

Thanks for the replies, I'll post to let you know how it went and any new info regarding the legal side of things I find out.
Chooky

Coventry_Sister

Scottish Law is better than English Law, therefore you should be treated fairer...