Louisiana cohabitation law (home ownership)?

Question

I am currently in the process of buying a home. My boyfriend will be living with me (we've been together a few years). The loan will be in my name, but he will split the utility bills and other bills w/me.
What are the laws in Louisiana concerning co-habitation? IF we ever split up, will he have any right to the property.
Of course, noone ever expects their love to leave, but who knows where a person will be in 30 years (length of mortgage). Thanks guys for your help!! :-)

Answer 1

If you are buying the home and you are the one whose name is on the loan then you need to take title as follows.....

Your name, a single woman, as sole owner

If you have any questions, ask your Escrow Officer.

This will solve the issue if you should break up in the future, regardless of him helping with the utilities and other bills.

Answer 2

Co-habitation is not recognized in Louisiana. Louisiana however is a community property state in where both parties will acquire a 50/50 interest in a property acquired during the marriage regardless of whose name is on the deed. If the property is acquired prior to marriage the property is considered sole and separate. However a sole and separate property agreement should be constructed after the marriage stating so. If an individual regardless of whether they are related or not moves into a property of another they become the tenant of the property owner and the property owner will then become the landlord. The fact that no instrument exists creating the tenancey does not matter in your case you should check what laws, rules and regs you and your significant other will fall under here:
LANDLORD TENANT ACT: http://law.loyno.edu/~quigley/deskman2001/booklandlord.pdf#search=%22landlord%20tenant%20act%20Louisiana%22
Good luck on your move and your association

Answer 3

I live in LA also. Don't take this as fact, but this is what I've heard. I've been told that Louisiana is a common law state, and that after something like 6 months of you living together you're technically "married" and he may be entitled to the house as much as you are. I hope this is wrong, because it shouldn't be that way. Where are you trying to buy a house in Louisiana?

Answer 4

Ouch! This gets into the "ask a lawyer" category very quickly, especially as I'm told that Louisiana law has some really interesting quirks.

Some lawyers are willing to give a short (generally half-hour) consultation free, with the hope being that you will eventually use their services. There is a directory of free legal assistance at: http://www.lawhelp.org/LA/

Answer 5

He would be a tenant in your property and have absolutely no rights to the home. It's good that you are asking this question now. All too often people do stupid things like put the boyfriend/girlfriend on the deed. Then when the love goes, there's a mess.