Calvin and Petra meet online through a dating app. They decide to purchase a house together. Calvin fears that the relationship is unstable and doesn’t want to share ownership of the house with Petra. He deceives Petra into believing that the house has been purchased jointly but in fact the house and the mortgage are both in his name. Calvin and Petra live together for five years. All the mortgage payments have been paid through a bank account in Calvin’s name only. Petra pays most of the household expenses which enables Calvin to afford the mortgage payments.
Calvin is violent towards Petra. After an attack on Petra which leaves her with a black eye, she leaves the house fearing for her safety. She secures a temporary place overnight in a women’s refuge hostel. She now wants to return to the house but does not believe that Calvin will be able to control his violent behaviour towards her.
What advice would you give to Petra on her rights in respect of the property and whether she could secure a safe return to the house?
