common law wife

[kopend]

may be a bit vague this question


but what is the law regarding a common law wife

i.e are they intitled to half your house if they leave you

and what exactley is a common law wife??

[dzug]

There's no such thing as a common law wife. It's a phrase that exists in the English language but not in English law.

[squarebear]

They have no rights. It's an urban myth.

[123everton]

As above unless her name's on the deeds/mortgage.

[factor-fiction]

I understand that partners do have some rights. For example if male partner dies and leaves the property to his kids the partner could claim the right to continue living in the property if he lives there already.

[joggerjayne]

1. Common Law Wife

2. No such thing.

3. The End

[hc4361]

As already stated there is no 'common law wife'.
But a couple who live together and subsequently split up do have obligations towards and rights over the ex-partner is certain circumstances.
There are many court cases where the ex live in partner has successfully claimed a share in the other's assets but these rights are not automatic.
If the non-owning partner can successfully prove that he or she significantly contributed to the household either directly by paying the mortgage or indirectly by paying for decorating, repairs, or providing some sort of support to the other there may be a valid claim.
He or she would have to show that they did those things in reliance of the understanding that the relationship was meant to be permanent and the house was to be treated as his or her home.
It would not be right , for example, if a woman paid for joint holidays, the car, the decorating, their social life, their food, the utility bills and she be left with nothing after many years of living together as man and wife.