common law break up with kids of previous marriage

[silverbed79]

I was in a common law reltaionsip for 13 years. She had 2 kids coming into the relationshsip. I had the house in my name only. I owned same for 13 years prior to her moving in. What are my obligations to her in this matter? Do I have to give half of everything I own from the time of my buying the house and all the things that were in the house and what I had prior to relationship ie: RRSP, stock holdings and other investments. I am at a loss for this.

[Lindsay]

Hi silverbed79,

Your spouse has no automatic interest in your home. The only assets and debts that must be automatically divided or shared are those that are owned or held jointly. Your spouse must prove that you were unjustly enriched by her in order to obtain an interest in any property owned by you, including RRSPs, other investments and your home.

Please see this link regarding property division in common law separations. Please also take a look at this link regarding division of the matrimonial home in common law relationships.

If you haven't already looked through this thread, please do so. Since you were together for 13 years, depending on the age of the children, you may also be looking at a child support obligation.

Lindsay