my friend is going through a rough time right now, getting divorced. hes only been married for 1 year now, so they dont have a lot but i'd like to ask for some advice from those who have been through this. right now, they are just separated so hes not at the point of getting a lawyer. we are wondering about the division of assets and he wants to ask those who have been there or have experience in this matter.
he got married june 2005. they bought a house together at that time. she left him in december 2005. so basically, they lived together for about 6 months, and she's been gone for 5 now. he's made all of the payments on the house/bills/everything since that time. our question is, is she still entitled to 50% of the gains on the house (since its gone up in value considerably) or is she only entitled to 25% since she only made payments on the house for half the time that they've owned it?
has anyone gone thru this? can anyone give some advice to him? he isnt ready to hire a lawyer just yet because they are still talking and might get back together, but if they don't how does it work? does he have to make payments forever and she can move in and take 50% anytime she wants without contributing a penny? she doesn't live with him anymore and hasn't helped since she left with a single bill or payment.