Valentine's day= an intimate dinner for 1000 people

I'm extremely fortunate to be able to go out for dinner almost any time I like, so the idea of going out to eat last week on Valentine’s Day held little appeal. It's usually:-

Twice the usual price - I hate being ripped off

A set menu - so what they want to serve you rather than what you want to eat.

Absolutely packed - meaning that the chances of a quite romantic conversation is about as likely as going to a football match and listening to your side congratulating the other side on a good goal.

I'm obviously not alone in this, as the supermarkets often pick Valentines week to do their "dinner for £20" deals, enabling people to have a nice meal in together instead. Or at least that's the theory.

I recently bumped in to my hairdresser in floods of tears just after the big day. She and her partner had opted for one of these dinner deals, which she had gone out and purchased along with a nice card and gift. When she got home after a long day in the salon, she found nothing. I don't mean just no present and card from him, but no him, and no food. He'd eaten the lot and gone out. She'd told him afterwards that it was over, and he should move out, but he'd refused. The problem was that his name was on the paperwork as well as hers, and her options to get him to move out voluntarily were limited unless she wanted to pay him. He wasn't working, so she was paying all the bills, and if she stopped, her perfect credit rating would be damaged.

If you are thinking of moving in with your partner this year, either renting or buying, come and talk to our property department about what you can do to protect yourself. If you are already living together, and it's not all champagne and roses, our family and litigation departments can advise you on your options to get out in the most cost effective way.

Kleyman & Co Solicitors - the full service law firm - better value for money than red roses on Valentines Day!