Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
Unmarried couple splitting
I have a friend who is unmarried and living with someone who is unfaithful and verbally abusive. Both names are on the house and an expensive car. He refuses to sell either and she wants to. Neither can afford the debt alone. Is there a way she can make him sell the house if both names are on it. He won't let her refinance or sell and told her she wasn't leaving him. Then he told her he would quit his job and get paid under the table to avoid child support. They have two children. He is a drunk and she has got to leave him but doesn't want to file bankruptcy. Any advice would be great.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Unmarried couple splitting
She probably needs to speak with an attorney, who could advise her of her options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. After that she may be more focused on making a decision that, although not ideal, is better than her current circumstances.
Re: Unmarried couple splitting
She should consult with a local attorney about a "Petition to Partition." This is the remedy where co-owners of property cannot agree about what to do with the property.
Re: Unmarried couple splitting
Very little court relief exists in Georgia for live-in lovers, especially if they foolishly did not enter into a written contract. However, one possibility is to sue in Superior Court to force a partition of the property. I'd have to sit down with her and get more details to determine if there are other choices.