On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Unmarried Couples on Thursday, October 2, 2014.
When married couples divorce, it is an understood concept that the courts will divide their assets in the divorce settlement, granting different assets to each party for various reasons. Usually, this is not an issue for unmarried couples, who simply pack their belongings and go their separate ways. However, it is becoming increasingly common for unmarried couples to engage in long-term domestic partnerships in which it can become difficult to determine just whose property is whose. Fortunately, there are legal options for dividing property that couples should consider taking advantage of, lest somebody take matters into their own hands in an extreme way.
In a bizarre property dispute issue, a Minnesota man has actually split his neighbor?s garage in half with a saw, claiming that it was on his property. The victim is currently suing for $40,000 in damages.
While this is not the type of property issue that unmarried couples are likely to face, there is still an important lesson that unmarried couples can learn, even in Missouri: handle your property disputes calmly and legally. Perhaps a garage might not be in jeopardy between you and your partner, but if a relationship ends badly, one party might get vindictive, and there is no telling what could happen.
It is possible that you could face a similar scenario if, say, you and your partner bought a bed when you moved in together. In a heated argument over to whom the bed truly belongs, your partner may decide to saw the bed in half and leave you with what they consider to be your share of the bed. It may sound crazy, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, people make rash decisions that can have major effects. If you are in a property dispute with a long-term partner, consider meeting with an attorney to divide your property fairly and legally.
Source: Twin Cities, “Minnesota House candidate sued for sawing garage in half,” John Myers, Sep 22, 2014
