I lived with a man for 15 years until he left me three years ago. He sees our son every week but pays nothing towards his upkeep or towards the mortgage on the house we bought together. He now wants me to sell the house so he can get his share of the equity, which will come to around £30,000. Can he do this?
He can try, but he will have difficulty unless your son has left school. Your former partner will have to persuade the court that it was appropriate to order a sale after taking into account your intentions, the purpose of the joint purchase and the welfare of your son. In the circumstances he would have an uphill struggle. See a solicitor. You should refer the maintenance for your son to the Child Maintenance Service.