Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Yes, she can sue you for the $200K and/or 50% of the net asset value of the real estate.

I would suggest you enter into a formal agreement which reflects some kind of agreement between the two of you which you can handle in the event of a break-up.

The use of funds was clearly not intended as a gift, and by your question was an agreement to become half owner of the home. Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Not only can she sue you, she probably will. Arguably (and her lawyers will argue this) she does. She may have a number of causes and claims she may bring against you. You may wish to avail yourself of the benefits of homesteading this property. See the Register of Deeds web site for more details. Good Luck.

There are two issues: moral and legal.

Morally, to tell someone who invested money that it was her idea, is not where you want to go.

There are several key points. Is she on the deed.

If she does, then she has a interest in the property.

If she does not, then she can sue you, and probably get an interest in the property.

One would need more information, but it is my view that she may not only gave one legal leg, but two.

This is not an uncommon scenario and simply, the judges have heard it before. You could try and claim the 200K in renovations were a "gift" but no jury is likely to believe this.