I date this man for 1 1/2 years. We never lived together. He and I spent time together fixing up my house - remove wallpaper, paint, landscape, clean garage, etc). I never asked him to do any of these things but we were in love and shared our time together and he chose to spend this time with me. He also occasionally left cash for groceries as I prepared the meals whenever he come to my house. I most often declined the money but when I was cooking for his family and friends, I would accept it.

When we broke up (I chose to end the relationship), he then demanded gifts and money as payment for his labour and any materials he provided at my house. I gave him back all the jewlery he gave me (even though I wasn't required to) because I hoped he would end his demands and move forward with his life.

Since then (a few months later), I recewived a letter from a lawyer stating my ex would like payment in excess of $16,000 for labour (of which many hours were mine) and materials to do work around my house. He always said they were gifts and my friends are witness to this. He doesn't have any receipts nor did I sign any contract for him to do any work at my house. We were in a relationship and we chose to work together on projects, both at his house and mine. I know legally he shouldn't have claim to anything but what do you think?

Thank you.

I doubt that he can really get anything out of you. Nothing was signed, he has no receipts, you were both dating.

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I know legally he shouldn't have claim to anything but what do you think?

I think you are right. He has no case.

Please understand how the law profession works. If someone pays me money to write a demand letter, and if there is a semblance of a claim, I might write the letter. But, if push comes to shove, that doesn't mean that I will actually file suit in court. If I were to do so, I would ask for a large sum up front.

We get similar questions in this forum a lot. I don't think he has any kind of a case, based upon what you have shared with us.

So you hire an attorney to write him back, they tell him in nice legal terms to >>>> off.

If he wants to sue, then you go to court where he has to prove it was a loan.

Thank you all kindly for your advice.

I've opted not to respond to him or his lawyer (at the advice of my friends) as it seems he is looking for a reaction from me and/or a way to exert power over me. I am not a confrontational person and actually ended the relationship due to his continued explosive & controlling behaviour when drunk and the effect it had on my children and I.

I had hoped not engaging in any communication it would lessen his interest and that he would divert his attention elsewhere.

I am relieved to hear you believe he hasn't a rightful claim although he may proceed with his intent to file in court as a way to keep me somehow connected to him.