I live with a woman who bought a house with her then boyfriend 13 years ago. He moved out seven years ago and is now married. Will he be able to force us to sell up when his daughter, who lives with us, leaves home?
If a house is in joint names it’s assumed that it’s owned 50/50. If your partner wants to challenge this she may have to go to court to argue her case, and this can be expensive. These problems are better sorted out sooner rather than later; your girlfriend’s ex-partner may for instance be prepared to accept a lower settlement figure now, while his daughter is living with you and he probably couldn’t force you to sell, than he might in a few years’ time. But if they can’t reach agreement, a court will have to decide the issue.