Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Re: living together

Since you are not married there is not much risk that he will be entitled to any of your real property. Based on the facts you provided, in a worst case scenario he could be entitled to recoup some/all of the money he has paid towards the mortgage. However, if he is living with you rent free, his payments could be considered rent.

I do not see any possibility that he would be entitled to your savings/retirement plans.

Re: living together

TO KEEP YOUR SEPARATE PROPERTY, (unencumbered) except that which you both decide is NOT SEPARATE PROPERTY, you need to keep accurate and complete financial (& "sweat equity") records.

You both should Continue to Maintain SEPARATE account/s and document everything re your home costs, purchases and maintenance, improvements, expenses, and so forth, in your registers.

When either of you pays a debt, gives money to or for the other, per request, necessity or understanding, repayment should generally be in the same form; and the money via check or cash should be specified on the deposit ticket. Or recorded on a invoice, bill or receipt.

To wit: a) "Sweat Equity: write "Bill" installed ceiling fans, paid w/ check#, on fan invoice/receipt. b) Money charged on the other's charge card, should be paid back by a check/cash deposited to the other's checking account.

The Everyday expenses, food, laundry, etc., entertainment are generally considered shared and are not repayable.

Good luck,

Phroska L. McAlister,ESQ