Full question:
I have been with my boyfriend now for 23 years. We have 2 children, a home (that I keep clean )! I do everything. I clean, cook, wash, dinner, tend to the kids etc. We have lived together now for 13 years. If he decides to leave us one day what exactly am I entitled to? The house we live in is in his name, however we shopped together for the home. I'm a stay home mom and he takes care of the bills. A ring was given to me about 5 yrs ago as an engagement but no date was ever set for us to get married. Can he say he never lived with us because he does own a small place in the city, and get away with that? I need to know what my rights are, and do I have any?
- Category: Cohabitation
- Date:
- State: New Jersey
Answer:
In New Jersey, if you and your boyfriend have been living together for an extended period, you may have certain rights, even if you are not legally married. The home is in his name, but since you both contributed to purchasing it, you might have a claim to it. As a stay-at-home parent, your contributions to the household may also be considered in any legal proceedings.
Regarding the engagement ring, while it signifies an intention to marry, without a marriage license and ceremony, it does not create legal marital rights. New Jersey law states that common law marriages are not recognized for unions formed after December 31, 1939 (N.J. Stat. § 37:1-10). Therefore, your boyfriend could argue that he has not lived with you in a legal sense if he claims to maintain a separate residence.
It is advisable to consult with a family law attorney to discuss your specific situation and explore your rights and options.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.