Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

lesbian joint tenants & break up

My ''partner'' & I purchased a home together as joint tenants& have lived here for approx. 3 yrs. She's telling me I--name removed--not entitled to 1/2 the worth of the home if we do split (pretty sure we will-she's emotionally/verbally abusive). We both put down arrpox. the same amt. after each of us sold our homes. I also got rid of a lot of furniture due to her ''allergies.'' She knew going into this, that she made 3X what I made (she makes more now) and so, I've always paid 1/3 of the mortgage. She said she's spoken to an attorney & I will only get my downpaym't back, plus 1/3 equity minus the mortgage pay-off and minus her ''home improvements.'' things she bought like ceiling fans, garage opener, etc...while I paid for clothes & groceries, but that apparantly doesn't count because it doesn't increase the value of the home. I wanted to get a mediator & so did she, but now she says her lawyer needs the name of mine--I don't have one. I don't want to ''screw her over'' which is what she thinks, I just don't want to end up on a park bench or in the ghetto--'cause the price of houses has gone up so much. I couldn't afford the home I used to own. Plus, I'll have to buy furniture now too.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. MC


Asked on 8/27/06, 5:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: lesbian joint tenants & break up

It's not quite as "cut and dried" as your partner and her lawyer are claiming. If this matter were to be decided by a judge, many things would be taken into account in determining the percentage interest of each of you in the property, including both financial and non-financial contributions. You would be smart to get an attorney and try and negotiate a fair settlement. Contact me for further information.

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Answered on 8/28/06, 9:45 am


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