I’ve split up with my partner - what am I entitled to?

Summary

Ending a relationship can be emotionally and financially challenging. Many people wonder what their legal rights and entitlements are after a breakup, particularly when it comes to property, finances, and children. In this guide, we cover what you might be entitled to after splitting with your partner. What you're entitled to after a breakup depends on whether you were married, in a civil partnership, or cohabiting as an unmarried couple. The law treats these situations differently, so knowing where you stand is key to understanding your rights. If you were married or in a civil partnership, you have legal rights under UK family law. This means you may be entitled to: * A share of shared property – This applies even if the home is in your partner’s name. * Spousal maintenance – If there’s a financial imbalance, one partner may have to support the other. * Pension sharing – Pensions are considered marital assets and can be divided in a divorce. * Division of savings, investments, and debts – Courts aim for a fair financial split. * Child support – If you have children together, financial support arrangements will need to be made. 💡 What about prenups? If you signed a prenuptial.

Key information

• •A share of shared property – This applies even if the home is in your partner’s name.
• •Spousal maintenance – If there’s a financial imbalance, one partner may have to support the other.
• •Pension sharing – Pensions are considered marital assets and can be divided in a divorce.
• •Division of savings, investments, and debts – Courts aim for a fair financial split.
• •Child support – If you have children together, financial support arrangements will need to be made.
• •You don’t automatically have a right to your partner’s property – Even if you lived together for years, you only have rights if your name is on the title deeds or tenancy agreement.
• •No spousal maintenance – Unlike married couples, you can’t claim ongoing financial support from your ex.
• •You may have a claim if you contributed financially – If you helped pay the mortgage or invested in the home, you might be able to claim a share under property law.
• •Child maintenance still applies – If you have children together, the non-resident parent must provide financial support.
• •Joint tenants – You both own equal shares of the property, meaning it typically has to be split 50/50 unless agreed otherwise. If one partner wants to keep the home, they may need to buy out the other’s share.
• •Tenants in common – Each person owns a specific share of the property, which could be equal or different percentages. If your ownership shares were unequal, the property is divided accordingly.
• •You financially contributed to the mortgage, renovations, or household expenses.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [I’ve split up with my partner - what am I entitled to?](https://lawhive.co.uk/knowledge-hub/family/split-up-with-my-partner-what-am-i-entitled-to)

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