Property Rights for common law married

[GuyInTrouble]

What is the name of your state? Illinois.

My friend has been in a common law relationship approx 7 years. While IL does not recognize common law marriage, does he have any property rights?

No children. She bought house in her name after they were together. He has never had a checking account but always worked and contributed cash toward down payment. He also contributed living expenses (all groceries), kept cars running, etc. She paid the mortgage. She is now selling the home. She is willing to return his initial cash down payment but nothing more.

Does he have any property rights on the home?

 

[howamidoing]

What is the name of your state? Illinois.

My friend has been in a common law relationship approx 7 years. While IL does not recognize common law marriage, does he have any property rights?

No children. She bought house in her name after they were together. He has never had a checking account but always worked and contributed cash toward down payment. He also contributed living expenses (all groceries), kept cars running, etc. She paid the mortgage. She is now selling the home. She is willing to return his initial cash down payment but nothing more.

Does he have any property rights on the home?

Did your friend and partner move there from a state that recognizes common law marriage? Illinois does not so if he didnt then he is not common law married.Do they have a cohabitation agreement? How can he want reimbursement for bills that he helped accrue? From your explaination the property is hers and he has no rights without a cohabitation agreement.

 

[GuyInTrouble]

Property rights for common law married

No, they have always resided in IL, so you're saying he's SOL. Not surprised - but it doesn't seem particularly fair. The whole property rights question had to do with the fact she bought the home based on their combined income - and for 7 years they split all expenses. She could not have afforded the home without his income. Now that they are splitting, she is selling the home. We thought there might be some recourse to get some of the proceeds of the sale of the home.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Not fair?

That's a real hoot. You can tell your 'FRIEND' that he's damn lucky to be getting his contribution for the down payment back. Under law, he's not even entitled to that.