Where does my cohabiting friend stand?

[Velvetee]

I have a friend who has been in a relationship with someone for 20 years and they have lived together for most of that time. They don't have any children and the house and household bills are all in his name.

She met this guy, when he had nothing and helped his career in the music industry. Over the last two years his career has really taken off and he's had a couple of chart hits and been nominated for various music industry awards.

Since things took off, he's begun to behave like a prat and has been having affairs with various women, (half his age). We know of at least two he has on the go at the moment and is currently on holiday with one. He is treating my friend very badly and is verbally and sometimes physically abusive towards her.

Does anyone know where my friend stands legally? Does she have similar rights to that of a married woman? Financially she is dependent on him and her lifestyle would drastically change if he were to put her out of the home.

[Ethel]

She doesn't have the same rights as a married woman - the law may change but only if the couple have children.

She may be able to claim a beneficial interest in the property but it is extremely complicated and each case is different.

Is there any reason why she has not worked?

She needs to see a solicitor.

[Velvetee]

She works partime, but has spent most of her time in a kind of PA capacity to him.

[happyjo]

Hi

She really needs to see a solicitor. Like Ethel said, she may have a beneficial interest in the property even if it's implied. Did he or has ever indicated that she has an entitlement over the property?

Did he pay her for the PA work??

Who is it??? ( pleease tell... kidding)

J x

[Velvetee]

She told me today, that one of these young bimbo's ex friend had been told he needed to keep my friend on the books as an employee for 2 years and then she couldn't make a claim as his partner. Is this true?