How to make sure kids don't lose out.

[jenjak]

I own my own house with no mortgage and have two grown up kids. My boyfriend is moving in with me but If something happens to me I want my kids to have the house, I have made a will to that effect but was wondering if my partner would have any claim to the house if he lived with me for a number of years. I have no intention of getting married.

[Kathyan]

If you have made a will then he has no claim, especially as you do not intend to marry him. Make sure that your children know there is a will and where to find it should something happen to you.

[Ethel]

Do not let him spend one penny of his own money on the house, except for his share of the utilities.


If he can prove he has spent large sums on improvements, alterations, extensions and so on he MAY have a claim regardless of your will. That may be classed as 'his' and won't be yours to give away. Even 'contributing to the household' could give him certain rights.


It's a very tricky and complicated area of the law. I hope a solicitor has written the will.

[WendyS]

Before you boyfriend moves in with you I would definitely consult a solicitor, and take his advice very seriously. It looks as if the government are thinking of bringing in all couples and even making a will in favour of your children might not necessarily have the effect you intend if new legislation is passed. Make sure that your Will is written by a solicitor, who might be one of the executors, along with your children, and make sure your Will is stored with them so that it cannot be destroyed by your boyfriend if the relationship goes pear-shaped. I don't know what age your children are, but I would also talk to your solicitor about possibly putting the house in trust for them if such a situation might be appropriate. Everybody hopes their relationship with their partner will be permanent. The reality, sadly, is often be very different, and you will prevent a lot of anguish and heartache now if you can bring yourself to face the possible realities of a breakup now, rather than trying to unravel things if it actually happens. You have only to read the number of posts about relationship break-ups on this site and the tangle which people experience trying to extricate their financial affairs to get an idea of what could happen if things go wrong.