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My husband left six months ago and we are now selling the matrimonial home and sharing the equity 50/50 but my husband wants me to reimburse him for his contribution to the bills for the last six months. Is he entitled to ask for this?
Six months ago my husband left me and the matrimonial home of his own accord. Since then he has continued to pay half the mortgage and half the household bills. We are now selling the house and are going to split the equity 50/50. However my husband says that he wants me to pay him all the money back that he has contributed to the bills since he left. Is this fair of him? He also wants to divorce me and wants me to pay half of the costs of this too. I am happy to be divorced from him as the marriage broke down a long time ago but if he wants to go ahead should he not pay for it all as it is not top of my list at the minute?
Your husband remains liable on the mortgage payments whether or not he lives in the property so it would not be reasonable to pay him back his share of these or any buildings insurance etc. However, it would be reasonable to reimburse him his share of outgoings such as utlities and telephone for the last six months, as you have been the sole user of these services.
I presume he intends to divorce you on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour or adultery as you have not been separated for two years. If either is the case, you as the Respondent are liable for his entire costs of the divorce, although you could refuse to accept liability when you complete the Acknowlegement of Service on the grounds that the fault lay on both sides. If he pursues a claim for his costs, you would both be entitled to attend Court and ask the Judge who pronouces the Decree Nisi to decide about the costs.
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