Q: Will my wife still get half the house?
My wife and I are not legally separated but have been living apart now for 5 years. I got a USDA loan in my name and built the house. She lived with me a few months after it was built then told me she wanted a divorce. My girlfriend and I of 4 years are still living in the house and she has contributed more money toward the house then my wife. Does my wife still have rights to half the house?
A: The law will first presume that the house is marital property that gets split equally but because you have been separated and your wife has not contributed to the marriage for years (I presume), it sounds like you have grounds to argue that Oregon's presumption of equal contribution should not be applied. You will have the burden of proof so you really should get an Attorney to help you.
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