Legal Question in Family Law in Kansas
Cohabitating
My signifigant other owns the house. My name is not on the title. House was paid for shortly after I moved in. We have lived together for the past 13 years and shared all living expenses including taxes, insurance, remodeling on the house, upkeep on the house, utilities, etc. We share a checking account and Master Card. My question is: Should he die can his children legally kick me out of the house? He says they wouldn't do such a thing but I want some assurance that I can live there for the rest of my life should something happen to him. I'm almost 57 years old and wondering if I should purchase my own home while I'm still working and build equity into something that is actually mine.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Cohabitating
You have very little protection in this situation. Because the house was paid for shortly after you moved in (assuming you did not pay it off with a substantial amount) your contributions over the years appear to be more like rent than purchase money. You have no legal right to the house if your significant other dies. There are ways to protect yourself, but he must cooperate. You should consult an experienced family law or real estate lawyer.