Legal Question in Family Law in Canada

What are my rights financially?

My wife and I have been separated since 1999. She left me and went home to Australia with our young Daughter. Six months later I flew out there to try and rconcile. She would have nothing to do with it. After about a month in Australia, I got a great business opportunity offered to me in the states. Upon hearing this, all of a sudden she wanted to give our marriage antother chance. We all went to Florida. The problems were still there however so she left again, this time back home to Vancouver. I gave her $60,000 in cash for a downpayment on a house for her and our Daughter. She made me sign a document saying I have no financial interest in the house. If I didnt sign, she would take our Daughter all the way to Australia again. So I signed. I have made all her mortgage payments since 2000, paid for private school for our daughter, plus anything else she wanted. Now she has sold the house and made about $140,000 clear. Now she wants me to continue to pay for her lifestyle. Right now I have no money and could use some help from her. She wants everything and more. She is taking all the furniture I bought and all the money from the sale. What are my rights in this case. Did I blow it by signing that peice of paper?


Asked on 6/24/05, 10:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Donald McLeod Donald R. McLeod Law Corp.

Re: What are my rights financially?

Your situation is far too complex and there are too few facts given to provide more than a cursory answer; you likely do have a remedy and may well be able to compel your wife to pay you some of the money from the sale, and if your lack of money is because of lack of a job (you do not say) it may be that you can claim spousal support from her. It sounds like her lack of a stable life style and poor example for your child means you may be a candidate for custody instead of her. RUN don't walk to a lawyer near you who practices family law - don't try and deal directly with her, as she sounds manipulative and self-centered and you will not be able to deal with her on your own.

Read more
Answered on 6/24/05, 3:39 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Canada