We are not married with 2 kids. What are my rights if we separate?
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Anonymous
| Please no shaming. I really need help with this. We have been together for 6 years. Never got married. 2 children. I worried on and off. Stayed at home with our first child for 2 years. And staying at home with out 2nd now. What’s going to happen if we separate? Do I have any rights for the house? He makes a lot of money and everything is in his name of course. What do I do? See an attorney? We live in VA. I know he will want 50/50 custody. |
Anonymous
I worked* on and off |
Anonymous
| Can he just kick me out of the house? |
Anonymous
Does he own the house? |
Anonymous
Yes. |
Anonymous
He may have to evict you, which takes time. I would strongly encourage you to see a lawyer ASAP. |
Anonymous
Out of curiosity, why do you think you have rights to live in the house? |
Anonymous
| Definitely see a family law attorney. As you're not married, you would not be entitled to any of the house or alimony payments. But he will have to pay child support. You will need to get a job. You may be able to agree that he pays a certain amount of the childcare expenses on top of child support. |
Anonymous
| I am not married and have one child. If the house is in his name, you don't have rights to it. I would find a job ASAP and start saving for your own place. Once you separate, you can file for child support. |
Anonymous
Thank you. |
Anonymous
| Yep, you’ll only get child support from him. No other rights. I’m sorry and wish you the best of luck. |
Anonymous
| Is he the father? Is he on the birth certificates? |
Anonymous
Yes. |
Anonymous
| How old are your kids, OP? Has their father been involved in their upbringing? Does he travel for work? Most people seem to get 50-50% custody these days, but it is not an automatic. Similarly, most stay-at-home mothers are required to get a job and become self-supporting, but the age of the kids can affect expectations about timing. |
Anonymous
| Do you live in DC, where they recognize common law marriage? |