Just split with my girlfriend....house queries!

jumpt

Well it's been a bad week came as a bit of shock.....but anyway need a bit of advice.

We bought the flat january 2004

We have a 2 year fixed mortgage in both our names that ends in January 2006. (after which I'll be getting a new mortgage....thanks for the guide Martin)

The flat is a leasehold in both our names.

I've got life assurance for both of us.

Basically she doesn't want anything and we've split on friendly terms so what should I do first?

Is getting the lease changed the priority?

......god this feels horrible

GDB2222

Ummm, has the flat gone up or down in value since you bought it?

jumpt

gone up about £10k

Doozergirl

I wonder if you would get somemore replies on the marriage, relationships & families board? There's a few posts about break-ups there.

niceshoes_2

Things aren't nice when relationships come to an end, especially when it comes to dividing up property, savings, money, belongings and debts - things can become quite horrible. I am sorry to hear about your problems, although I don't know what your circumstances are, I will say, and it is something everyone says, but it will get better with time.

When I separated from my ex, we owned the house together, and it was agreed that I would buy him out. We had the house valued, and it's value had increased by £30,000. We agreed that I would pay him £15,000 (half of the property increase) and that would be the end of that.

The first thing that I did was get the mortgage put into my name only - I suppose it was slightly different, as I was not fixed into any term on the mortgage, but I went to see one of those mortgage advisors, who gave me some great advice.

The only other thing that I would be wary of, is your partner changing her mind and deciding she does in actual fact want something from the separation. This has happened to my friend recently and they separated on good terms.

He decided that he didn't want any money from the house they owned together, but after a few months once everything had then been sorted out, and he had had time to think about things, he decided he wanted £5000 from my friend. My friend, who had stretched herself to the limit to afford a mortgage on her own salary, has since had to try and find the £5000 to the ex who had since changed his mind. Luckily, her mum was able to help her out, as a favour, but she really did not have any other option. I'm not saying this will happen, just it is something to be aware of and maybe get something in writing to confirm the agreement.

The other thing that I will mention, is to ring the council. You will be entitled to a reduction in your council tax, which I think is 25%, if you are living in the property on your own. At least it will help, reduce one of your bills, if you are going from 2 incomes, to just 1.

jumpt

hi
thanks for your help. I suppose I'm lucky in the respect that I'll be able to afford the mortgage and bills etc.

Would it be enough for her to send me a letter stating that she doesn't want anything from the house (signed and dated etc)?
I guess I need to contact a solicitor ideally, do you they charge for this kind of advice? Quite possibly I guess!!

Anway thanks for the council tax tip......always thought it was too much anyway!

HGLTsuperstar

Yes get it all in writing, and to make sure it would stand up in court, your best bet would be to get a solicitor to draw up an agreement for you both to sign.
Your other question = will the solicitor charge you = Is the Pope Catholic?!