Can I keep the house?

a) Are you married to/in a civil partnership with the partner you are separating from?

If you are going through divorce proceedings then there are different ways of dealing with the house in any ultimate financial settlement. 

This will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. 

Sometimes one party will buy out the other's interest in the property so that the property is transferred into their sole name for a sum of money.  Sometimes the house will be sold and the proceeds divided in some manner (not always an equal division, again depending on the circumstances of the case and for instance whether there are other assets).  Sometimes one party will be allowed to remain in occupation of the property for a period of time, for instance whilst there are minor children living in the property, and the other party will retain an interest in the property which they will realise in the future, for instance when the house is sold when the children reach majority.  Again it is important to take specific advice on the circumstances of your case.

b) Were you cohabiting with the partner you are separating from?

If you are not married then what will happen to the house will depend upon a range of factors such as whether the property is jointly owned, or whether it is in one party's name but the other party can claim a beneficial interest in the property.  This is a complex area of law and advice should be sought on the specifics of your case. 

If you have children then in some circumstances the Court can order that the house is preserved as a home for the children even where the parties are not married and the property is owned by the other party.  Again you should seek specific advice as to the circumstances of your case.