rights of defacto on separation?

Hi...


Well.... after spending nearly a decade with a man who turned out to be somewhat of a Rick with a silent 'p', I have finally up and left him.... and Hong Kong. Don't really want to go into the whys and what fors, but he was not a nice fellow and while I am a pretty committed lassie, he stepped over the boundaries of decency one too many times... 'nuff said.


I'm back in my country of origin, seething at the fact that I paid him rent while living in the house he bought in Hong Kong for years and years(we came for his job by the way), all the while acting like his PA, redecorating and organising his life... and I'm wondering if anyone knows - do I have any legal rights to claim what was generated together while in a defacto relationship in HK, even though it is all in his name?


I did work while in HK, but in shyte jobs that were not aligned with my career path before going expat with him. Basically, I feel ripped off and think he should at least pay my rent money back!


In the UK I believe that the ruling is 1 year living together = "common law marriage" or something similar? Is it this way in HK?

Were you ever legally married to this man? If not, there is almost nothing you can do. HK does not recognize common law marriage.

If you are both British citizens you can try suing him in British courts, but it will be exceedingly difficult. British courts have been walking away from "common law marriage". To prove common law marriage, a couple has to "Hold out the world as a married couple." In other words, if your ex can produce sworn testimony from friends or family that they knew your were not married, then a Brit court will not enforce your "common law" claim.

But do consult a lawyer, there may be ways for you to make enough trouble for him to force a settlement.