I am unsure if I should take action after a common-law relationship break up

Anonymous Asked:

I have been with the same man for over 5 years, living with him on and off - the longest being 2 years straight. I was in it for the long haul, and thought marriage was in sight.

He has thrown me out and all I have is $100 to my name and have been sleeping on friends couches. We have a dog together, and he even cosigned on my student loan for me when I was in school.

I never ever wanted any of his property/money, and I told him over and over I was willing to sign a prenup/cohabitation agreement. I love him, not his assets.

Now, I am all alone with nothing. Should I ask him for compensation? I have a long way to go before being back on my feet again. What are my rights?

Thank you for your time.

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Stuart Zukerman

9 years ago

As long as he agrees or provided that you can establish on a balance of probabilities that the 2 of you lived together in a spousal like relationship for a continuous period of 2 years or more (with any break ups within that period lasting less than 90 days) then you are a common-law spouse under the Family Law Act & therefore able to make claims for spousal support & for property & debt division (excluding the pre cohabitation equity & debt from any such division).

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