Daughter and son in law back together just!

It looked as though divorce was near, so we bought a house for daughter nearby in wife and ,I joint names.
Wondered now they are getting on better if we could let them use house,but don’t want to loose ownership if divorce rears
It’s head again.
They are living in a flat at present with two toddlers.
Any ideas how we could help please?

It is not clear who is on the title deeds of the house you have bought. This is potentially very important.

My wife and I as purchasers.
Thank you.

Assuming the title deeds say that you and your wife are the joint owners and that you paid for the property in theory it would be possible for your daughter to occupy the property without her husband being able to make a claim upon the property in the event of divorce. However, if her husband also occupies the property it does become their matrimonial home. That does not necessarily give him the right to make a claim upon a property which is not his but the longer such a situation lasts the greater the chances that the situation becomes more complicated. For instance, in such circumstances it would not be unusual for one of the spouses to say that the property was a gift to your daughter or a property held in trust for her or that her husband had made some sort of financial contribution. Such claims might or might not have substance so they would not necessarily succeed but they have a considerable nuisance value.

Thanks you for reply.It’s a tricky situation.Am now wondering about renting to them with each contributing 50percent of rent.
That should be safe I hope.

If the title to the property is in your name and that of your wife and you have a proper, formal tenancy that is about as much as you can do if you are going to let them occupy the house. You should get any tenancy agreement drawn up formally though and you should instruct the lawyer who does it in writing (keeping a copy) that you wish to ensure you can recover possession of the property if the need should ever arise.

Thank for your help.