I have known my partner for 12 years and lived with him for 5yrs. We are not married and have twin girls age 5. Our relationship has broken down following his alcohol abuse and my recent discovery that he owes a substantial amount of money. He is s/employed and also 11 months in arrears on a £240k mortgage. Following visits by baliffs and the mortage lender applying to the courts for repocession of the property I am unsure of my rights. I have subsequently found out that I am not on the property deeds. Do I have any legal rights to a share of the property assets if the house is sold to repay debts. Does my partner have to rehouse myself and his children?

November 27, 2008 by Anonymous

I am afraid that rights on the breakup of cohabitation are very different from when the parties are married. Even with a long relationship such as yours you will not automatically obtain an interest in property in which you are not registered as an owner. No more will there be a continuing right of support.

There can be exceptions to the harshness of this law when a person has been misled or promised an interest in property. I would need considerably more information from you however before I could advise on whether this might apply in your case.

The position is different with regard to your twins. They have an ongoing right to maintenance from their father although there is no stipulation that he must provide a home.

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