VIC Ex spent $150k of (mostly my) money, can I get it back?

[daisyduck]

4 year defacto relationship, no kids, 1 disputed property. I supported the ex while they completed a second degree. 70% of the contributions are mine (the entire deposit, 70% of the mortgage while living together, most of the post relationship mortgage repayments - which I made while they lived in the house - with a boarder).

Ex has cleaned out the joint bank accounts to the tune of $150k and is now demanding to buy me out with 1/2 the equity in the house and their lawyer says that the 150k of crazy spending is irrelevant. Is this true? Is the money recoverable?

 

[Rod]

Is this true? Is the money recoverable?

Not true, and money may be recoverable if it is not spent on consumables (drugs, alcohol, women, gambling etc). Else you do a settlement and say the $150K is part of what the ex would have received under a fair split of the pool.

Either way, get to court asap. You have 2 years from separation to start a family law application. State laws can assist if past the 2 year limit but get help.

Whose name is on the title?

If you need a lawyer, I think you really do, send an email to [email protected] and ask for Rod.