Q: I was in a relationship for over 8 years but never got married. We are now breaking up. what are my option on this house
I was in a relationship for over 8 years and engaged but never got married. During this relationship me and my partner bought a house but my name was not on the title and mortgage but I paid half towards everything i.e mortgage, utilities, property tax etc. We are now breaking up. Can you let me know what are my option to claim anything for the house we purchased?
A: I'm afraid you don't have many good options outside of what you may be able to negotiate. Legally, you are a tenant. While you certainly are not obligated for the mortgage or taxes, you're also not entitled to any share of the equity. Had your name also been on the deed, then you would be a co-owner, which would then give you some leverage here as to gain full ownership, your partner would need to effectively buy you out. Without that, the only way you would be entitled to an equitable share of the house would be through legal marriage. That's not the case here unfortunately; and in Michigan, you are either legally married or you are not. Michigan does not recognize what in some states consider common law marriage.
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