property law

[maria_67]

I need some assistance from anyone who may have been in my shoes.
Three years ago I purchased a house with my ex boyfriend, I moved in and have lived here this entire time. The plan was he was to move in once his divorce was finalized. He contributed half of the down payment but his name is no where on the house. He didn't want his name on the house because he didn't want his ex wife entitled to it. He has occasionally given me money towards the mortgage and property tax. Our relationship has ended ..........what are my rights regarding the house. I don't want to buy him out for one I can't afford too but also the real estate market is rising and I couldn't afford to buy anything new. He is very successful and has alot of money and I know he'll want his share of this house.
Can anyone help or point me in the right direction to find answers.
Thank you.

[god knows the truth]

I think he could sue you in civil court if he could prove he gave you half the downpayment. Then he would possible have to disclose this in regards to his ex wife.That's not your problem. Don't foprget lawyer are not cheap.
Despite the fact he is successful and has alot of money, as you've said, I think it's only morally fair to reimburse him for money owed to him. He tried to scam his ex wife-not good- and you could possibly legally win, but morally I think he's entitled to his money back. That's only fair.
YOu could get a loan and use your house as collateral to pay him back his share.
You're probaly thinking that you're "up" x amount of dollars but really, is that the type of person you want to be?I'd say give him what he is owed and move on.

[maria_67]

I don't want to be that "person" and I certainly do want to move on. I'm scared of loosing my home as he lives and continues to live his comfy lifestyle. I have covered the majority of the mortgage payments within these last 3 years. I just want to know if that accounts for anything. Most of all I don't want to spend monies on lawyers if I can avoid it.

[god knows the truth]

You shouldn't lose your house if you take a loan to pay him. If the house is in your name and you're living there, they are your mortgage payments, not his. If he has alot of money, as you said he may want to be vindictive and take it to court--this can be dragged out for a very long time and in the end the amount he put into your house will be eaten up ON TOP OF your own money. If it carries on for too long you may then lose your house via legalities. Do you know what I mean?
If you don't mind me asking, how much did he put into the house? Just curious.

[maria_67]

I know exactly what you mean.........legal costs can easily eat what what is there. He has put in approx $75,000 and the house has gone up in value approx 35% since purchasing it. He tells me that he doesn't want the profit just what he put into it. I guess I'm nervous because I've seen him weezle his way out of things but also through his business he works as a paralegal......I'm in the medical field and don't know much about the law.....I'm just being careful.

[Springheeled Jack]

similar problem

When my wife and I met, I owned my own house,and she rented.

I sold my house to but the one we are in now. I provided the downpayment of £10,000 or so plus £3,000+ Legal fees forthe house.

I know what the law says about 50-50 split. But surely I can claim for what I paid out before any thing is divided?