Live-In Partner of 12 Years Is Still Married with 2 Kids: Advice

Unraveling a Complex Relationship

• 💔 Ava has been with her partner for 12 years, has two young sons, and they own a home together, but he is still married to someone else.
• ⚠️ She is on Baby Step 2 of the debt-elimination plan, with $23,000 left on a car loan, and earns $42,000 annually, while her partner earns $55,000.
• 💍 Ava wants to marry her partner, but he refuses, and he also refuses to divorce his current wife because he doesn't want to pay for it.

Financial and Legal Risks

• 🏠 The couple owns a house valued at $450,000 with a $200,000 mortgage.
• 🚫 The partner refuses to make a will, which the speaker interprets as a sign of not caring about Ava's future security.
• 🛑 Ava has paused her debt-reduction efforts to save money in case she needs to move out, feeling she has no other option.

Expert Advice and Next Steps

• 🗣️ The speaker strongly advises Ava to leave the situation, stating she should have never moved in, had children, or bought a house with a married man.
• ⚖️ It is recommended that Ava immediately consult an attorney to discuss custody, selling the house, and establishing child support.
• ⚠️ The situation is described as a "business transaction gone wrong" with a man who "does not care about you. Period. Cares about himself."
• 🤝 Ava is encouraged to assemble a team of professionals, including attorneys, real estate agents, and financial advisors, to advocate for her best interests.

A Cautionary Tale

• 🚨 The situation serves as a warning to others about the consequences of playing house and the potential for significant harm when relationships are not built on a solid, legal foundation.
• 🧩 Untangling the financial and legal mess, including home ownership and potential child support, is expected to be a difficult and complex process.