Common Law Threats

[gibbo1307]

I have lived with my girlfriend for 18 months now, and as some relationships do it is becoming strained. Recently she has been told that if we were to split she is entitled to half of everything, im sure "common law" does not exist. But i need some clarifacation as information on the web is quiet contradictory. The facts are, the mortgage and deeds are all in my name. I was always buying the property in my name and this was made aware to her before we started looking. I paid all of the deposit (�14500) and make all the mortgage payments, she doesnt contribute to those. However some of the bills are in her name. Where exactly do i stand?

[Nosha123]

I would say your house is safe.. I'm no legal expert but any court would look at this from the perspective that her contributions to the bills is effectively her share of paying 'rent' to you. If her name is not on the deeds or the mortgage and you can prove all payments were made by you then she has no claim to any of it - unless you were married.
If she had been living elsewhere she would have had to pay rent and bills anyhow.
this common law thing is a bit of a myth and not legally binding.
Try to get an appt with CAB if you can - for legal advice....

[gibbo1307]

Thank you for your response, its a weight off my mind. Its kind of what i have gathered from my own research, but every web site has different information.

What is a CAB? i think some proper legal advice is needed. But once again thank you for your response.

[daisycup]

You definitely don't have anything to worry about. There is no such thing as common law. To be honest, I can't believe she would have the nerve to try for half seeing as she has only contributed to the utility bills.

[CAJ1]

CAB=Citizens Advice Bureau