<prompt> Human: So Im looking to buy a house in the near future probably by summer and definitely want to put 20 down. I live in WA state and live with my girlfriend of four years. She is bad at saving money but works part time, so Ive been covering a majority of the bills and will be the only one contributing towards the house. I trust her and all of that, and we will probably get married this year Id say, BUT, I feel as though this is a pretty big risk and just have that what if in the back of my mind. My question is: say we end up getting a house soon that I put huge amounts of money towards, and we dont work out in a year or two, how can I protect myself from getting screwed over? Im not sure if there are any laws dealing with this situation that would entitle her to say half the house or something in the event we split up. Like I said, I trust her and weve been together for a long time and would be getting married at some point, but I just feel since Ive been saving hard for a couple years and will be putting so much of my hard earned money into a house while she contributes nothing that this is something I need to think about.Thanks  <response>: If your not married and she isnt paying for the home I would buy the home only in your nameshe should not be on the mortgage at all and treat her as a renter. You can even go as far as to having a lawyer write something up saying she has no stake in the home if you break upthis may piss her off though but will make you safe in case of a breakup. You may need to look up common law marriage laws in your state this also would give you a better idea of what she would be entitled to if you do break up.These would be your best options 