I’m desperate for some advice! (I have booked an appointment with a family lawyer)
I was in a defacto relationship for 5 years, 3 of which I was subject to DV. Long story short, when I left I left with nothing - no money in the bank, just my clothing. After I left I received and endless about of abusive and threatening messages stating I was to collect my stuff right then or it was going to the dump or going to be set of fire. I didn’t collect my belongings as I was scared. He agreed to let me have some of the furniture, which he then changed his mind out. It was agreed that he would pay the remainder of the credit card (furniture) if he could keep the furniture - I have just received a letter saying I owe $7000 as he hasn’t paid it. He also destroyed everything I owned - birth certificates, university degree, everything I had as I was unable to collected it on the day that he wanted. We did not have kids together, but I did provide care for his child. We had a combined income of more than $220k, he worked away for 7 days at a time. I maintained a house for him while he was away, worked my own profession and was subject to years of violence and now I’m left with nothing but debt. As stated above, I will be seeking legal advice but can anyone else share advice from similar situations?? Was he allowed to destroy all of my property?
5 Replies
He certainly was not allowed to damage your property! That’s deplorable! So glad your out and safe. Def contact a lawyer regarding the debt. You should also be entitled to 50% of the assets you accrued throughout the partnership.
How long ago did you leave?
I left just over 12 months ago, but left the house in February this year. We were engaged, with joint bank accounts - although being financially abused and having the bank account emptied after every fight.
Speak to a lawyer. Best thing to do for yourself is to sort it asap, either legally or write it off mentally, and cut him completely and move on.
It may only take a letter from a lawyer asking him to put his furniture debt agreement in writing otherwise you will pay it and in needing to recoup costs will take him to court for all of the furniture you pay for, in which case it will be worth your money to at the same time claim damages for all of your property that was illegally destroyed as well as half of what was accrued during the relationship, including vehicles, the savings account balance as at the time you left and superannuation.
Fingers crossed he will take the debt and you can be done with him.
If your name is on that credit application, they will continue to chase you!