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Dividing finances on family property after long separation

(17 Posts)
Stoker48 Sun 20-Jul-25 11:38:09

Left husband of over 35 years. I could take no more of his abuse.
He remained in the family home. I moved into a small rental property we also owned.
That was 14 years ago.
No mortgage on either property. Daughter grown up and married.
Against all odds we have tried to remain on friendly terms. We have never divorced.
Never consulted a solicitor but appreciate, of course, I will have to do so shortly.
He is now looking to move out of the old family home. Value circa £900,000.
The house I live in worth £290,000. No mortgage on either. Both I joint names.
Obviously, there is his pension and my tiny one to add into the mix etc.
No looking to divorce just split the property fairly.
Has anyone any experience of carving up after such a long split?
Would it still be 50/50 - adding up value of both houses then dividing by half? Or has the passage of time changed that?
He said we can do it without paying out for solicitors. I’m not sure about that…
In the very first instance I would be massively grateful for some pointers so I can manage my expectations.
Thank you.

Smileless2012 Sun 20-Jul-25 11:43:06

There is no way I would contemplate this without professional legal assistance Stoker, especially with a husband I had left because he was abusive.

The starting point for any settlement is a 50/50 split but that doesn't mean that will be the eventual outcome. Please get some legal advice before you agree to anything.

Sadgrandma Sun 20-Jul-25 11:52:50

Smileless2012

There is no way I would contemplate this without professional legal assistance

The starting point for any settlement is a 50/50 split but that doesn't mean that will be the eventual outcome. Please get some legal advice before you agree to anything.

I completely agree please see a solicitor before agreeing anything.

Stoker48 Sun 20-Jul-25 12:06:07

Thank you both for your prompt replies.

Jaxjacky Sun 20-Jul-25 12:18:20

I totally agree on legal advice which would be documented, unequivocal and enforceable. Good luck.

Peep Sun 20-Jul-25 13:18:13

Same advice here - see a solicitor. I didn’t (mental health), he did! I’m not living in poverty but I don’t feel I got what I deserved. Good luck.

Allsorts Sun 20-Jul-25 19:24:22

See a solicitor I would start from 50/50, daresay it will all go to your daughter one day.

Iam64 Sun 20-Jul-25 19:52:15

Another one saying please invest in yourself by taking legal advice.

Stoker48 Sun 20-Jul-25 20:42:10

Thank you all so very much.
I will definitely go to a solicitor.
Do you both go together or do we need a solicitor each? I’m happy to go together unless I’m being very naive….
We are not getting divorced just want fairness in the division of assets.
He has a very well paid job. I’m not interested in that, just what is fair. I assume I am only entitled to what I wouid have got 14 years ago when I left?.
Wouid it be a divorce lawyer that bests deal with these issues?
Thank you, once again.

LOUISA1523 Sun 20-Jul-25 20:50:17

Get your own solicitor......no conflict of interests then

crazyH Sun 20-Jul-25 20:55:12

If you’re not getting divorced, does it really matter ?
The family home is in joint names, I presume. The house you bought is in your sole name, I presume. Regardless, they will be considered marital assets.
The best thing to do is get legal advice.

Iam64 Sun 20-Jul-25 20:57:57

You need a solicitor who specialises in private law/divorce. You need your own solicitor do not share with your husband. Solicitors will be relieved to have clients who aren’t polarised and rowing, the courts welcome couples who reach agreement.
Your solicitor won’t be looking to cause disagreement but will give the independent legal advice you need

charley68 Sun 20-Jul-25 21:00:39

My husband and I split up; did not divorce either. Eventually sold the family house and the money was split evenly between us both. An insurance policy matured some years later, and the proceeds were share equally.

WithNobsOnIt Mon 21-Jul-25 04:07:37

Smileless2012

There is no way I would contemplate this without professional legal assistance Stoker, especially with a husband I had left because he was abusive.

The starting point for any settlement is a 50/50 split but that doesn't mean that will be the eventual outcome. Please get some legal advice before you agree to anything.

I agree get the best legal advice you can,from a Solicitor who has experience in this area and can get you e best deal an outcome,

Solicitors are not cheap

May cost a couple of grand but believe me it will be worth it in the long run,

Get the best deal for yourself
, Don't give him an inch!

6

Stoker48 Mon 21-Jul-25 19:35:17

Thank you.
Appreciate all your comments.

David49 Mon 21-Jul-25 20:49:33

As long as you agree on the basics solicitors fees will not be high, you do need the paperwork drawn up properly.

Be very firm with solicitors they will try very hard to make it contentious

Stoker48 Tue 22-Jul-25 13:48:58

Thank you.
Grateful to all who gave advice - I’ll take it.