Common Law

[pkdmin]

I know that Common Law marriage is not recognized in the state of Minnesota. However, I lived with a man as husband and wife - helped raise his children and paid toward our expenses including the home we shared together that was in his name only - for 14 years. Only to be forced to leave with nothing. Do I really have no recourse?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[Zigner]

Originally Posted by pkdmin

I know that Common Law marriage is not recognized in the state of Minnesota. However, I lived with a man as husband and wife - helped raise his children and paid toward our expenses including the home we shared together that was in his name only - for 14 years. Only to be forced to leave with nothing. Do I really have no recourse?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

And they say "...it's only a piece of paper!"

You were a RENTER.

[pkdmin]

...for nothing. Way to kick a dog when it's down - so to speak. I joined this forum to hopefully get some information and support - I already know I'm an idiot for not getting anything on paper - but I'm a good person who trusted and believed in this person and I got screwed. Thanks for your sensitive and holier-than-thou response. I really needed that.

[justalayman]

what do you want? You asked for an answer and you got it. Zigner wasn't nasty or insulting. A point was made as to the value of a marriage license but I would not consider that kicking you or a holier than thou attitude.

If you want anymore advice, I would suggest you make nice with zig. Zig didn;t do anything wrong.

[nextwife]

Originally Posted by pkdmin

I know that Common Law marriage is not recognized in the state of Minnesota. However, I lived with a man as husband and wife - helped raise his children and paid toward our expenses including the home we shared together that was in his name only - for 14 years. Only to be forced to leave with nothing. Do I really have no recourse?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

You chose to do this without benefit of marriage. You also were in a state in which that relationship could never be considered a common law marriage, so you could not have believed you had a legal union.

As to paying toward the house and expenses: You were LIVING there. Why WOULDN'T you contribute toward YOUR cost of housing, food, utilities and transportation?

[TheGeekess]

Originally Posted by nextwife

You chose to do this without benefit of marriage. You also were in a state in which that relationship could never be considered a common law marriage, so you could not have believed you had a legal union.

As to paying toward the house and expenses: You were LIVING there. Why WOULDN'T you contribute toward YOUR cost of housing, food, utilities and transportation?

She can believe anything she likes. Rather or not if it means anything legally is a whole 'nother matter as OP is finding out.

[IrishLady47]

Originally Posted by pkdmin

I know that Common Law marriage is not recognized in the state of Minnesota. However, I lived with a man as husband and wife - helped raise his children and paid toward our expenses including the home we shared together that was in his name only - for 14 years. Only to be forced to leave with nothing. Do I really have no recourse?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

If you left without your personal property (clothes, jewelry, books, etc), you can make a claim for that. But if he did not add you to the title on the house (for which marriage is not necessary), you have no claim to the house. Legally, you were a renter. No one was kicking you when you're down - that is simply the legal fact.

[sheilaw814]

Hi fellow renter. I just sent an email to this website asking basically the same question concerning NH, then I found your posts. I can truly sympathize with you and wish you well in this new chapter in your life. Just think of it as a lesson learned and keep smiling and know that you are truly a decent person. No decent person would treat another human as he has treated you. It's his loss, your gain. Life has a way of working out, so keep your chin up and just continue to be the good person you've been and you'll get your just rewards. I'm closing on my own home in 3 weeks and it cannot come fast enough. My emotions are crazy but I know in my heart I'm doing the right thing! Best of luck to you, too! There are greater things in store for you! Keep the faith!

[Zigner]

Originally Posted by sheilaw814

Hi fellow renter. I just sent an email to this website asking basically the same question concerning NH, then I found your posts. I can truly sympathize with you and wish you well in this new chapter in your life. Just think of it as a lesson learned and keep smiling and know that you are truly a decent person. No decent person would treat another human as he has treated you.

You have no idea who was the "decent" person in this relationship

It's his loss, your gain. Life has a way of working out, so keep your chin up and just continue to be the good person you've been and you'll get your just rewards. I'm closing on my own home in 3 weeks and it cannot come fast enough. My emotions are crazy but I know in my heart I'm doing the right thing! Best of luck to you, too! There are greater things in store for you! Keep the faith!

Save it for Oprah (or, did you have some legal advice?)