Can my ex make any claim to the proceeds of the sale of my property?

[jaykyle]

I split up with my girlfriend recently and she did stay with me permenantly for about 3 years. The house is purely in my name and was already owned by me for over a year when she moved in. We agreed that she would pay me a regular contribution towards bills etc which was set up as a direct debit from her bank. I have now sold the flat and would like to know if she can try to claim any of the proceeds of the sale. She didn't have her name on any of the utility bills nor any other.

[IggyB]

in the civil courts this sort of dispute is covered by trust law - a co-habiting partner can in some circumstances gain a legal right to revenue from the sale of a house but only if certain criteria have been met - in this case your ex does not appear to have any claim to your property as she did not put any money directly towards the mortgage / purchase price or invest heavily in the home, the fact that non of the bills are in her name also indicates that she would have no claim to say she paid the bills and you the mortgage so she deserves a share. so i wouldn't give this any further worry

[mike1222]

Try the Law topic - this is certainly not News.