u/QuotePuzzleheaded638

My dear friend has recently separated from her romantic partner after 20 years.

I know it's a long-shot but wondering if anyone has had a similar situation, and have managed to avoid splitting assets. Friend has a lawyer but I'm hoping I can share with her other experiences, be they positive or negative. She wants to take this to court if necessary but I think that may just end up costing her even more than half her assets.

The situation is that she owned the house (with a mortgage), car and all furniture etc. when the partner moved in 20 years ago. Sadly she didn't think to make any pre-nup type arrangements.

Partner came in with nothing and paid very reasonable board for some periods, but a lot of time was out of work during which time he did not pay anything.

Friend bought and upkept all items for the home throughout the relationship including whiteware, repairs etc. Partner made no contributions (other than board).

My friend has children who were primary chool aged when the relationship began. She did not expect nor asked/received any input at all regarding the children.

Effectively the relationship was romantic only. No shared finances/bank accounts nor shared care of the children.

Now the partner who came into the relationship with absolutely no assets or savings, is wanting to claim half of everything my friend has worked hard for, including her Kiwisaver.

Additionally the partner was abusive and violent toward my friend (has Police reports to back this up).

Is the Family Court likely to take account of the fact that this was a romantic relationship only, with no shared finances etc., or is the relationship law cut and dried?

Edited to add: Partner has legal aid, my friend doesn't.

Hi all

My husband has dementia and has always been the primary credit card holder for our shared credit cards with Westpac.

We are both retired so our only income is from investments through the bank, and my husband's standard superannuation.

I am his EPOA and it was said to us that because we don't have a fixed income, he (and therefore I also) could be refused continued use of the credit cards if we alert them to our current situation - i.e. they may review our payment capability.

As EPOA I have taken over all accounts but I cannot gain internet access to his credit card account (nor mine) unless I disclose the current situation. I need to see how much is owed on our credit cards each month to make payment.

Thanks for advice.