Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Signing a legal document & down payments

My boyfriend and I are planning on buying a house together & eventually getting married. My dad says that we should each have a legal document verifying how much each of us give as a down payment in the event our relationship ends. Is this something people are doing? I don't want my boyfriend to take it personally & think that I'm already thinking of the worst. Also if the relationship ended would I get my portion of the down payment back? How can I advise him that this is a good idea without making him think I'm thinking negatively?


Asked on 1/18/08, 6:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bernard J. Berkowitz Berkowitz & Raiken

Re: Signing a legal document & down payments

By buying a house together you are becoming partners. If you are not putting in an equal amount of money then you need a partnership agreement to protect each of you until you get married. Also, if you put in a substantial amount and want to preserve your interest you should have a pre-nuptial agreement. If you want more information, please call for an appointment. Mention LawGur and the first half hour is free.

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Answered on 1/21/08, 9:58 am


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