Single Mum Buys a Home … but What About the Boyfriend?

Hi Scott,

I am a 33-year-old long-term single mum with a 16-year-old son, and I am finally ready to buy my first home. I am lucky enough to be in love with my defacto partner (of 10 months), who lives with us, but am wondering if I need a ‘worst case plan’ to protect the house in case we separate. All the deposit savings are mine, and my income is more than triple his. He is happy paying rent but could only afford around one-fifth of the weekly mortgage payments. Am I being paranoid or is it worth looking into a legal agreement?

Leslie

Hi Leslie,

You should be really proud of yourself. I’m proud of you. You rock!And you are not being paranoid -- you’ve worked bloody hard to get where you are, and you need to protect yourself and your son. Besides, you’ve known this dude only 10 months -- I’ve had toothbrushes that have lasted longer than that. You need to see a solicitor and get a binding financial agreement drawn up. Do this. Please.

Scott