Change of address

[warbler]

I shall be moving in with my boyfriend and as he receives income support, we will obviously be letting officialdom know that his circumstances have changed. However, I do not wish to change my address (currently living with parents) just yet for my work, bank, doctor etc. Is it ok to do this? I'm not up to anything dodgy - just want to save a major hassle in case things don't work out. Is it ok to remain on the electoral register at my current address? Will it look suspicious for future dealings with banks etc? Thanks for any advice!!!

[darth vader]

my advice is that if you're asking this question you obviously don't have faith in the proposed move and should stay at home until you do. You father will have to sign a form for the council tax office once a year, which lists all members of that household, so by signing to say that you live with him, he will be liable for prosecution for providing false information. So for that matter will your boyfriend when he receives one. I would say make a decision and if you decide to go for it then do it legally - it will be better in the long run especially if (god forbid) things don't work out - even though you're not married you will be seen as common-in-law wife (after an amount of time - i can't remember but i think it's either 5 or 7 years) which then means in the event of a split you will be entitled to part of his estate if you can prove to the court you have been living there for that amount of time.

[darth vader]

ps. just to add weight. Work could use it as grounds for sacking (providing false information), the doctor might not be too bothered (if you're in the same district still), the bank will get annoyed, the Inland Revenue will investigate (as this is a prime way to avoid paying tax). Hope all this helps your decision

[Allen Crisp]

I'll not add anything to the advice by darth vader beyond stressing that you should be sure of your personal commitment before taking this big step. However, I must say something about the status of a "common law wife". As I understand it (although I'm not a lawyer) there is no such thing recognised in English law, although it might be different in Scotland. I'm not sure you'd have any automatic rights in the event of a break-up.

[sft42]

Knickers to all the above.....your instincts are telling you to be cautious and rightly so.....I did it all legit and so on and when a partner pulled out on me I was left with all the expense and hassle and heartache......So having been in this position I would recommend that you give yourself a set period, of perhaps say three months, where you can move in without telling anyone anything and you can then make your mind up if it's all going to work out for you or not.....then you can go ahead and keep it all legit or you can go back home.....seems the best of both words for the two of you and you can hedge your bets.

As for institutions, a period like this will not be noticed as long as you are not trying to avoid payment of any outstanding debts or similar.

[darth vader]

ha ha sft42 back with a vengeance - happy new year sft! there you go, both sides of the coin for you to consider. Let us know how you got on, warbler

[Miss Zippy]

Good luck, hope it works out. Just wanted to add that there is absolutely no such thing as a 'common law' husband or wife, at least not under English law. If you live with a partner and you're not married and the relationship ends, neither partner has any 'right' to the other's estate/assets/income etc etc (save in a very few and exceptional circumstances). The exception, as you would expect, is if the relationship bore children, but this is an entirely different kettle of fish and any 'rights' to any property/income/assets etc are the 'rights' of the children not the former partners.

[nykkieberry]

I think it is very wise to be cautious about such a big step and considering your position if it doesn't work out. (Men can be great boyfriends but bloody awful housemates!) Either come clean to all or keep it all under wraps. But be careful, they can track you down if you apply for credit together, for say, a washing machine, you receive post, joint bank accounts, etc., etc. As I understand, if you live together and you can prove that you made a contribution to the house, (split the bills, paid for shopping, etc) you have a right to some of the assets if you spilt up. 'Stay' with him for a while, occasionally returning home, give it a couple of months and then go for it and inform the powers that be. It's not worth the deception and paranoia in the long run!