complicated property situation2
I have been in a common law marriage for nearly 10 years. We purchased the property together (which I negotiated the selling price as shown in Realtor selling documents) but for business reasons did not include my name in the Deed or mortgage. Our relationship is not over yet but as a precautionary step I would like to know my rights. The value of the property has increased enormously over the years as it is prime waterfront property. Purchase price 170k compared to present day likely 600k conservatively.
I am contractor (self employed) and have paid half the mortgage and at time more then half over the years. I have always paid all the ultilities and Insurance while she has paid only for food and her half the mortgage. In ten years I have spent 10's of thousands improving the property while she has spent nil.
In addition to this, I run and sustain my income from the property. I am marine contractor servicing Islands and cottages from our shoreline and from the lake here. If I was, required to leave because we are not married, I would loose all existing clientele and opportunity to make a living. She has indicated that if we break up she would kick me out. Therefore I have been caught in a unhappy relationship for several years in order to maintain the level of lifestyle that I have grown accustom. Can anyone help with some advice and what my rights are? It is much more complicated with other assets, business assets, her government pension, her retirement growth, a cottage built by me as means to support my retirment. The business in incorporated and 60k in assets.
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