What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California.
Spouse A bought a house in 1989 with his own money. He moved in with a partner in 1999. In 2006, he sold his house and put the equity he gained in buying a new house. 2008, they became domestic partners. Spouse A has made all the mortgage payments since then out of his own earnings. In 2009, his partner asked to be put on the title, and he agreed. Now they are on the verge of splitting, and the partner says he deserves 50% of everything, including whatever check they might get from the sale of the second house. The amount they're likely to get is approximately the same as the down payment Spouse A made in 2006.
Spouse A bought a house in 1989 with his own money. He moved in with a partner in 1999. In 2006, he sold his house and put the equity he gained in buying a new house. 2008, they became domestic partners. Spouse A has made all the mortgage payments since then out of his own earnings. In 2009, his partner asked to be put on the title, and he agreed. Now they are on the verge of splitting, and the partner says he deserves 50% of everything, including whatever check they might get from the sale of the second house. The amount they're likely to get is approximately the same as the down payment Spouse A made in 2006.