Legal Question in Family Law in Connecticut

Co-habitant Liability for Child support of non-related child in home

I am a co-habitant with boyfriend who has son 5yrs old with ex-wife. Son visits weekends. I am sole owner of home we live in. Boyfriend is not paying me rent. He pays house utilities and expenses which equal his old rent so his expenses look same on paper. His ex will petition him for increased child support. Is my financial information private? Can she claim to see my tax return in an effort to gain more child support because her ex now lives with me? Also- I have concern about her suing me if her kid gets hurt on my property. What is my liability for this? I have homeowners policy. Also- I am never alone with the kid nor do i allow him to be driven in my car- only his fathers car. I think i am taking all the right steps to protect myself financially and liability wise. I just want to know under what conditions (if any) she might seek financial gain from me, see my financial documents, sue me for liability or get more money from the father (my boyfriend) even though his expenses are the same living with me. I am very well off and that is why the concern. Have a lot to lose and his Ex has history of suing him every time he changes jobs for more money. We live in MA. Ex lives in CT. Thanks so much for your time.


Asked on 11/09/06, 9:05 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Co-habitant Liability for Child support of non-related child in home

I do think there is a potential problem to the extent that you provide rent free space for him. Under certain conditions, you could be deposed and asked questions about financial contributions and the household where the child resides.

You can probably get a protective order as to at least part of the deposition issues.

If you have any questions, you can contact me.

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Answered on 11/09/06, 4:44 pm
Peter Dempsey Peter M. Dempsey, Attorney At Law

Re: Co-habitant Liability for Child support of non-related child in home

The ex has no right to your financial records, nor can she bring any claim against you. Child support obligations are based upon income and asset holdings of the biological father.

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Answered on 11/09/06, 1:51 pm

Re: Co-habitant Liability for Child support of non-related child in home

The ex cannot obtain your financial information, you are not a party to their divorce. Your Homeowners should protect you if the child gets hurt at your home, just as your auto insurance would protect a passenger riding in your car. If you are really concerned, you can buy an umbrella polciy that will cover you for $1Million or more once your regular home owners insurance is exhausted.

You might however want to have a co-habitation agreement between you and your boyfriend, so he can not make any claims against your home should you break-up. It may not be necessary, but as pre-caution it might be of some benefit.

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Answered on 11/09/06, 2:06 pm


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