Property ownership in a marriage, especially when one of the partners has purchased a house independently, can be a rather complex issue. A woman that goes by the name Bethany has turned to Bright Side to seek advice after she has found herself in a situation that started affecting her relationship with her spouse. Namely, Bethany explained that after her father’s passing, she sold his apartment and some of his belongings and was left with enough money to purchase a home for herself and her family. However, her husband insisted that he had the right to co-own the place, despite the fact she had paid for it with her inherited money. His demand left her in shock and she was quick to deny it. But it was only then that things took the wrong turn. Her husband told her, “In that case, you should use your money to pay me back all the money I spent on rent over these years. At least half of it, since you lived with me and didn’t contribute financially.” To her horror, he issued an ultimatum, “If you refuse, then maybe we should reconsider our marriage and our future together.” Bethany further wrote that since the two married, her husband was the sole provider for the family.

She didn’t wok, but she was a stay-at-home mom and took care of their son and their home. She wondered if this was enough reason for her husband to automatically co-own the home she bought with her own money. Confused, she sought advice, and the people in the comment section were quick to provide some. One person told Bethany that she should calculate how much it would cost to hire a daily housekeeper, cook, and nanny, and then add it up and compare it to what her husband asks her to “pay back” to him. Another person suggested that if a stay-at-home person was in fact paid for the job they are doing around the house and raising the children, if there are any, that amount would accumulate to over $178,000 a year. Someone wrote that they way he asked to be listed as a co-owner of the house she had purchased speaks a lot about the type of person he is, because no spouse should ever use threats. In such cases, it would be for the best to seek legal advice and understand property ownership because a lot depends on the state a person lives in. In certain jurisdictions, property obtained before marriage is viewed as separate, while property acquired during the marriage might be treated as marital or community property, depending on the local laws. A lawyer specializing in inheritance and property law can give the most effective advice that would provide protection of your rights and wishes. Think about how sharing ownership could impact your financial future, particularly if you go through a divorce or separation. Or, simply talk openly with your spouse about your wishes and concerns, and try to find mutual understanding and a compromise. What are your thoughts on this?