Worried about my Dad

[stoofur]

My dad has just split with his partner of 10 years and he is devastated.

The problem is that he sold his house about 10 years ago and then paid off her mortgage. He always told us that he was put on the house deeds. However it has come to light that he never was. She always said that she would do it but could not find them at the time of asking. My dad is a lovely trusting man and so never really persued it.

He is 60 this year and I am worried that he is going to come out of the relationship with nothing. I have told him to go and speak to a solicitor about this. He first said he can't afford a solicitor to which I said I can help him with that. Now he says that he does not want to make things worse by getting a solicitor involved. I said that he needs to get advice and that he does not have to take it further than just advice.

She has said that he can continue to live at the house for as long as he wants (she has had an affair and is with the new man). She also said that he is entitled to half of the value of the house. But there is nothing in writing.

I am so worried about him. It dawned on me last night that he has not had to live on his own since he was in his teens. He married my mum when he was 18 and she died 15 years ago. But I was living with him then. He then met this woman.

I have offered that he live with me and my girlfriend. He did try but said that he wanted to go home (which he did last night).

Any advice emotionally and legally would be gratefully received.

I will put this question in both the Relationship folder and the Law folder.

Thanks everyone.

[greedyhcoleman1]

I would get professional advice as the danger is any advice on here may not be correct. 50/50 seems reasonable but how much did he put into it overall and can he evidence this?

[ummmm]

If he paid in a large sum then he can claim an interest in the house.

[grasscarp]

Not sure why he thinks seeing a solicitor would make matters worse. He should do it. He can explain to his ex that if anything were to happen to either of them, a verbal agreement is not enough and the situation needs to be clear and verifiable. If she has left him then she should be reasonable about everything and recognise that he needs security. Good luck. He is lucky to have a caring child like you.

[stoofur]

Thank you everyone for your replies. My dad does have proof that he paid in a some of money so that is something. I have managed to convice him to see a solicitor. Also she said she is going to put something in writing.

Thank you Grasscarp. That is a really nice thing to say.