Marina’s Struggle to Protect Her Apartment and Rights
While sorting through her students’ notebooks, Marina’s concentration was abruptly broken by a phone ringing from the kitchen. It was a Saturday evening around six o’clock—clearly not the ideal moment for calls. Anya, a concerned neighbor from the same stairwell, was on the line.
“Marina, are you sitting down?” Anya asked anxiously.
Curious and worried, Marina responded, “What’s happened, Anya?”
“Today, I saw Igor near the real estate agency. He was speaking with a woman and mentioned something about your apartment,” Anya explained.
Marina froze in place. She and Igor had separated just three weeks earlier after spending twenty-four years married. Although he had moved in with his mother, he left with the promise that he would return once she had “calmed down.”
Trying to remain composed, Marina inquired, “What exactly did he say?”
“He claimed he intends to sell the apartment, saying it belongs solely to him and that you and your daughter will have to move out soon,” Anya revealed.
In shock, Marina lowered the phone, the pen slipping from her fingers. The idea that the apartment belonged exclusively to Igor was unimaginable.
The phone rang shortly afterward. It was Marina’s daughter, Katya, her voice weary.
“Mom, did Dad call you?”
“No, why?” Marina questioned.
“He messaged me about finding cheaper housing in the Southern district. He wants me to persuade you we no longer need the three-room apartment.”
A surge of determination arose in Marina.
“Katya, we aren’t moving anywhere. Has he really decided to sell the apartment without telling us?”
“Seriously? Is he out of his mind?”
“I think so. After all, we purchased this place together.”
“But don’t we have a joint ownership certificate?”
Marina hesitated before saying, “No, Katya. It’s registered only under his name. At the time, he said, ‘Why spend extra money? We’re family,’ and foolishly, I believed him.”
“Did you confront him?”
“Yes, in a fury.”
“Mom, I’m coming back,” Katya declared.
“No, you have exams. Stay focused. I’ll deal with this.”
Katya scoffed, “You always say that but then Dad does whatever he wants.”
“Not this time,” Marina retorted firmly.
Without delay, Marina dialed Igor’s number. It rang endlessly without answer. She then sent a stern text: “I know about your plans to sell the apartment. Either we discuss this now or settle it in court.” No response followed.
The next day, Igor appeared at her door, disheveled and wearing a wrinkled shirt but still exuding his customary arrogance.
“What nonsense have you been spreading?” he demanded abruptly.
“Is it true you intend to sell the apartment?” Marina asked.
Igor sneered, “So what? It’s mine—my rules.”
“It’s ours! We bought it together, and I contributed financially my entire life!”
“Where’s your proof?” He shrugged. “Only my name is on the paperwork. I bought it before we married.”
“That’s false! We married and took out a mortgage three years later.”
“Prove it. Where are your documents? None? Then leave.”
Furious, Marina responded, “I’m not going anywhere. Half of this apartment belongs to me!”
He laughed coldly, “You’re a teacher with a pitiful salary. Who cares about you? I’m helping, I even found another place.”
Through clenched teeth, Marina ordered, “Get out!”
“What?”
“Leave! This is my home and I’m staying.”
Pointing a finger to his temple, Igor snarled, “I’ll bring a realtor in a week. Pack your things.”
After he left, Marina sank onto the hallway floor, overcome by tears. Twenty-four years of marriage and twenty-one years in this home—all seemed to be unraveling. How would she manage renting somewhere on a teacher’s salary?
The phone rang again. Marina wiped away her tears and answered.
“Marina, it’s Lena. I heard what’s happening. I’ll wait for you in an hour. My brother is a lawyer and can assist.”
“Lena, I don’t have money…” Marina replied hesitantly.
“No one demands money up front. We’ll figure it out. If you don’t come, I’ll come get you myself.”
Reluctantly, Marina agreed, “Okay, I’ll be there.”
In Sergey’s office—the lawyer and Lena’s brother—Marina nervously fiddled with her handkerchief. The room felt suffocating under her heavy worries.
“So, the apartment is solely under your husband’s name, but you have made financial contributions?” Sergey asked.
“Of course, I paid half the mortgage over the years!”
“Do you have any proof?”
“Proof? We were a family… were.”
“Receipts, bank statements, loan agreements?”
“Maybe some old checks or papers are tucked away somewhere.”
“Search your home. Check old boxes in the attic or closets.”
“I’ll look everywhere!”
“Good. Also, while married, he cannot legally sell the apartment without your agreement. We’ll file a counterclaim for property division.”
Back at home, Marina searched thoroughly and discovered yellowed documents including loan payment schedules with bank stamps and her signatures.
That evening, Katya called.
“Mom, news. Dad really filed a lawsuit. Grandma spilled it.”
“I know,” Marina whispered. “He wants me to leave the apartment.”
“That jerk! I’m quitting exams and coming home!”
“No, Katya. You must study. We have a lawyer. There’s hope.”
The next day, a court summons was delivered. Igor claimed sole ownership of the apartment.
When Marina contacted Sergey, he remained composed.
“It’s actually better he sued first. It gives us time to prepare.”
The weeks passed by quickly. Marina barely slept, gathering evidence and checking details. At work, she carried out lessons mechanically while taking every break to contact banks or her lawyer.
One evening, Igor returned.
“So, planning to leave quietly?” he mocked.
“No. At court, I will prove we own the apartment jointly.”
Igor laughed harshly.
“You? Prove it? You can’t even string sentences together!”
“I have documents.”
“What documents? Have you been snooping through my things?”
“No, our things.”
A flicker of fear crossed Igor’s face momentarily but he quickly masked it.
“Doesn’t matter. I have the ownership certificate and a top-notch lawyer.”
“I have a lawyer, too,” Marina said calmly.
“Who?” Igor sneered.
“Sergey Vasilyevich Klimov.”
Igor choked on his drink.
“Klimov? Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Where does a poor teacher get money for such a lawyer?”
“None of your concern.”
After Igor left, Lena phoned.
“How are you feeling?”
“Okay, I think I shook him up a bit.”
“Everyone knows Sergey. Of course, you scared him.”
“Thanks to you. I’d be lost without your help.”
“You’re stronger than you realize. Also, I’ll be a trial witness to confirm you always paid the mortgage.”
“Do you really recall all that?”
“Definitely! You complained countless times about giving your salary to the mortgage!”
That night Katya called again.
“Mom, I finished early. I’m coming tomorrow.”
“Katya…”
“No arguments! I want to be there for the trial.”
For the first time in ages, Marina felt a genuine smile light up her face.
The courtroom was small and stuffy. Marina sat upright clutching a folder packed with evidence. Sergey sat confidently by her side. Behind them, Lena and Katya were visibly anxious.
Igor entered accompanied by a young, well-dressed lawyer who whispered closely to him. Both appeared confident.
“Ignore them,” Sergey murmured. “It’s all for show.”
The judge, a middle-aged woman with a worn expression, called the session to order.
“Plaintiff, please present your claim.”
Igor’s lawyer stood with a monotonous, emotionless tone.
“My client demands recognition of sole ownership of the apartment, purchased before marriage. Here is the official ownership documentation.”
The judge scrutinized the papers and then addressed Marina.
“Defendant, your response?”
Sergey stood respectfully.
“Your Honor, we contest this claim. The apartment was acquired during the marriage. Documentation exists, and my client made regular mortgage payments.”
The lawyer smirked dismissively.
“Where is the evidence? Words alone do not suffice.”
“We possess the proof,” Sergey said calmly, presenting a folder with bank statements, mortgage schedules signed by Marina, and witness statements.
The judge meticulously examined the documents.
“Please call your witnesses.”
Lena stepped forward, her nerves visible.
“I have known Marina for over two decades. She always said she paid for the apartment, and we rarely went anywhere since all money went to mortgage repayments.”
“Can you provide specific instances?” Igor’s lawyer interrogated.
“Specific? I accompanied her to the bank multiple times and saw her make payments. Once, I even lent her money when she was short on an installment.”
Igor hissed something to his lawyer.
“Your Honor,” the lawyer interrupted, “this testimony is unreliable. My client denies any contribution from the wife.”
Suddenly, Katya rose.
“Silence!” the judge commanded sharply. “State your name.”
“Ekaterina Sokolova, the daughter, and I wish to testify.”
“What do you have to say?”
“Mom always made payments. Dad admitted it was tough managing the mortgage alone, so Mom helped financially.”
Igor’s face turned red.
“That’s a lie! Katya, how can you?”
“You’re lying! You told me: ‘Mom pays half but we live like paupers.’ Remember?”
The judge hammered the gavel.
“Quiet! Continue.”
Sergey introduced further evidence, including old receipts, bank documents, and photos of Marina and Igor reviewing the apartment.
“Does the plaintiff wish to object?” asked the judge.
Igor’s lawyer appeared unsettled.
“Your Honor, ownership is under my client’s name. Payment history is irrelevant.”
“If acquired during marriage, property is jointly owned,” Sergey countered firmly.
The judge declared a recess. Marina whispered to Sergey, “What do you think?”
“Everything is favoring you so far,” he replied.
Upon return, the judge issued her ruling.
“Mortgage payment financial analysis is ordered.”
Igor leapt up indignantly.
“What analysis? It’s my apartment! I bought it! This is theft!”
“Sit down, plaintiff!” the judge ordered sternly.
“I refuse! This is a setup! She manipulated everything!”
Another gavel strike.
“One more outburst and you will be removed.”
Igor slumped back, glaring fiercely at Marina. For the first time, she met his stare without fear.
The analysis took three long weeks. Marina endured sleepless nights awaiting results. Meanwhile, Igor’s lawyer sent a meager settlement offer that wouldn’t even cover renting a room.
“Don’t take it,” Katya urged. “We will defeat him.”
On the final court day, rain poured heavily. Marina arrived drenched.
“How’s your mood?” Sergey asked in the corridor.
“Okay. I just want this to end,” she whispered with a fragile smile.
The courtroom held only the essential parties. The judge, expressionless, began.
“Financial review confirms Marina Sokolova consistently made mortgage payments. Her share stands at 47%.”
Igor’s grimace betrayed his displeasure; his lawyer looked tense.
“The court denies Igor’s claim. The property is confirmed as jointly owned with equal shares.”
Marina sat in disbelief.
“We… won?”
“Yes, congratulations,” Sergey smiled.
Igor jumped up angrily.
“This is ridiculous! I will appeal!”
“That is your right,” the judge replied coldly.
Outside, Katya screamed in joy as she embraced her mother.
“You’re incredible!”
“We did it together,” Marina said softly, holding her daughter close.
A month later, the property division was finalized. Igor received the car and the dacha, and Marina kept the apartment. His demeanor was subdued without his usual outbursts.
“Satisfied now?” he muttered while signing the papers.
“I only wanted justice,” Marina replied calmly.
Six months on, Marina transformed the apartment into a cozy home with new wallpaper and a comfortable kitchen table. Katya helped with the renovations. Laughter and tea with friends filled the rooms.
“You look like you’ve blossomed,” Lena observed one day. “You even carry yourself differently.”
“Really?” Marina smiled shyly.
“Absolutely. It’s like a heavy burden has been lifted.”
Reflecting on her journey, Marina realized this was true. She no longer feared the future or waited for others to decide her fate. Control of her life was finally hers.
Key Insight: Marina’s story highlights the importance of legal awareness and support in protecting one’s rights during a separation. Despite the challenges, perseverance and proper legal guidance can secure justice and restore dignity.
Thus concludes the account of Marina’s arduous battle to defend her home and reclaim her life after a painful marital split.