My boyfriend and I have been dating for about seven years.
Last year we decided to buy a house and finally move in together.
Therefore, the house is under my name alone.
After moving in, we bought a car.
Six months later, our relationship isnt doing so well.
We constantly fight, and it has gotten to the point where I have seriously considered ending the relationship.
I dont want to stay in a toxic relationship, but I also cant afford to end it.
Does he have a claim to the house under common law marriage?
What can I do about the debt I cant afford on my own?
I feel like such a failure.
c’mon help!
L.
Dear L.,
Your boyfriend is either misinformed or lying.
Its extremely unlikely that you have a common-law marriage.
Fewer than a dozen states recognize common-law marriage.
Even if you reside in one of those states, simply living together doesnt establish a common-law marriage.
You also have to intend to get married and present yourself to the public as a married couple.
It doesnt sound like that applies here.
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Since your boyfriend isnt on the deed of the house, youre allowed to kick him out.
He would likely be considered a tenant, depending on your states laws.
That doesnt mean youre doomed to share your home with him for eternity.
Getting a roommate seems like the simplest way to replace the money your boyfriend has been contributing.
Theres no guarantee your credit card company will offer you an agreement.
Of course, this would be a temporary fix.
If this debt feels truly insurmountable, you may want to seek outcredit counseling.
venture to use this as a learning experience for future relationships.
Should you move in with another partner, signing a cohabitation agreement is a must if you arent married.
check that you could pay 100% of any future debt you take on in your name only.
You took on debt because you were planning to build a future with your boyfriend.
Youve realized thats a future you dont want.
Untangling yourself from this relationship will cause some short-term financial pain.
But the payoff will be more than worth it in the long run.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Send your tricky money questions to[email protected]or chat with her inThe Penny Hoarder Community.
