What are my rights/responsibilities regarding a boyfriend who lives with me?
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What are my rights/responsibilities regarding a boyfriend who lives with me?
My boyfriend moved in with me a year ago. My home is paid for but I pay all of the bills. He pays for our travel, dinners, date-like stuff, etc. He has paid for a pool liner and a few other miscellaneous things but not as a general rule. He is keeping track of what he is spending on me and things related to us living together. Basically, though, he is living here for free and I am paying all of the bills and expenses. I have a considerable amount of money. He has a successfull business that’s worth alot but it’s not as successfull as he would like everyone to believe. He steals from Paul to pay Peter. He has no savings. I already know that that the relationship is not going to work out; I have just not made that leap yet. But it is inevitable. I’m afraid that he will say that I owe him money for what he has paid for. What to I need to do to protect myself and get all of my ducks in a row?
Asked on November 10, 2012 under Family Law, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You do not necessarily owe him money for anything he has paid for, since 1) given your relationship, it could easily have been gifts; and/or 2) if he's living your home, what he paid could be seen as rent for living there. You would only owe him money if there was some agreement or understanding to repay him at some point. The above said, it would not be a bad idea to:
a) Stop taking money from him;
b) Make sure you have receipts for any high-value items you bought;
c) Consider whether it would be better to let him have (i.e. keep) anything portable, if he wants it, rather than fight him over it.
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