quick question

[NstyDevil]

Last February, we split up, lived together for 5 years almost to the day. I stupidly left without a fight, as I was done with her cheating and lying on me. And to this day, I still am trying to get personal effects, like photos, yearbooks, tax documents and my woodworking tools out of the home.

the house we rented was in her name. living in toronto, ontario.

I want to know if it's legal for me to just rent a truck and get my things out of the garage which is unlocked (i have the only key). and if it's even more illegal to get into the house itself and get my things when i know she's out of the house.

any help would be appreciated.

 

[FL_Needs_To_Change]

I do not exactly know how the legal system works for common law, however, when I left my husband I moved to a new city in a new home of my own.

I made the mistake of not locking the patio door, and one day came home to a virtually empty bedroom and a note from him saying he "took his stuff".

I really didn't have his personal stuff; he actually took things that reminded him of me and wedding photos, things like that.
I called the police to report a break and enter and theft. I literally was told that because I did not have a separation agreement stating what was mine and what was his, and we had not legally divorced yet, everything in my home was technically his too. I was livid. And I took it one step further and asked, "If I were to go to his home and take the things back would I then be charged with theft or break and enter?" I was told no, and I'm not kidding! I never got the things back and really don't care. I'd ask a police office if I were you. Explain that you were in a common law union for 5 years, separated for personal reasons (no need for details here) yet your things are still there, and could you go and get them. I personally would not do anything that could potentially get my butt into hot water. And I don't think you want that either. Another route is to get a court appearance and get an order clearly defining your possessions and then schedule a time to go get them with someone to witness to cover your butt.