Asked in Real Estate Law for Virginia

Q: If an unmarried couple owns a house together and then the relationship ends, can you get the other owner out somehow?

This is in Virginia. The woman came into the relationship with nothing and makes half as much as the man. She can't afford the mortgage, but he can and wishes to buy her out. She refuses to let him do so. Is there anything that he can do? If they do have to sell, does she automatically get half? Thanks.

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: A lawyer may advice you to file a partition claim in which the lawyer may further suggest to ask the court to buy her out. But, all of these depends on how you both own currently own the property, how long you lived, who paid for down payment, who pays for mortgage, utilities, other expenses, etc. The answer then will depend on a variety of information and documents you provide to a lawyer to guide you properly.

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