When you are close to someone, emotionally, financially or both, it is easy to skip the paperwork. You trust each other. You talk things through. Maybe you helped them launch a business or worked on something together. But when things go wrong, you may wonder if the relationship was purely based on love or if there was a real agreement.
This situation is actually frequent, especially among couples. You may have supported your partner’s dream, with the understanding you would both benefit later. Maybe there were texts, shared bank transfers or just long talks. Now, after separation, you are left wondering if any of it “counts” legally.
Proving something that was never written
If there is no contract, it can be challenging to prove there was an agreement. However, in some cases, what you did can matter more than what you wrote down.
The following can help prove the existence of an agreement:
- Messages and emails: Anything showing you discussed profit-sharing or ownership.
- Shared bank activity: If you sent money with notes like “for the shop” or “business use.”
- Daily involvement: If you helped run the business or made key decisions.
- Witnesses: Friends or family who heard you talk about the arrangement.
Courts sometimes recognize what is called an implied contract. This means your actions and shared understanding could point to something real, even without paperwork. However, proving that can be challenging, especially when the other person denies it or says it was “just support.”
Being in this kind of situation is never easy. You gave your time and trust, and now you are left untangling feelings from facts. If you believe you had a real role and a right to something more, it may be worth learning where you stand. It is best to seek support and guidance from an experienced legal team to understand how relationships and business can overlap.
