“I have lived with a man for a year, and have contributed a lot to the household. I quit my job because he wanted me to, so that I could stay at home with my 3 children and his 2. My question is, can I take anything when I leave without getting into trouble? The house is in his name only, but we have gotten a lot of material things that I wish to take with me.”

Because you are not married, for the most part whatever he bought with his money is his, and whatever you bought with your money is yours. So you can take what you bought, but if it’s anything which he is likely to protest, or anything with a high value (such as appliances, or electronics), be prepared to be able to produce receipts or to otherwise be able to prove that you purchased it and that it belongs to you.

Get notified whenever ANY new article is posted to DearEsq!:
*We NEVER share your email address with anybody!


Anne P. Mitchell, Esq. is a noted family law expert, Internet law expert, and Professor of Law at Lincoln Law School of San Jose. Contact This Author

State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.