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Property return

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Vet51

Hi  -  I have recently left a relationship with a Moroccan man.  I was wanting to know the best way to go about obtaining items I have purchased that have been left with him .  I am currently back in Australia due to Covid 19 but would like the items returned as soon as possible.  I have asked several times directly but have had no response.  Are there any legal recourses I can take to have them returned or do I simply leave them with him. 

I have contacted the Australian embassy in Rabat and the Moroccan envoy in Australia and am currently waiting a reply.  Contacting the Moroccan police in his home town will be difficult if not impossible as I do not speak Arabic or French.  Any help on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. The items include jewellery and computer ware. Thank you.

Capoppy55

Oh my.  I am only going to give you my opinion, not legal advice.  First, I’m sorry you weren’t able to take everything with you when you left.
Have you actually spoken to him at all, such as via WhatsApp, messenger, or anything? Do you have proof of what was yours? Receipts and stuff? If you do have, them, its possible you might have a case with the local  police, but I would sure advise you to go through the embassy/consulate. I really doubt that you will get much satisfaction via local police. You already know the possible difficulties there.
Does he have any male relatives that you can get in touch with? If so, they may be able to help you. Or, with his mother?  Or maybe even getting in touch with him and asking him?
I dont really have any other suggestions. Since it doesn’t sound like you were married to him, there may not be any legal remedies.

Vet51

Hi Capoppy55 - yes I have spoken to him via Whatsapp and have requested the return  of my things several times.  He just refuses basically.  I do have receipts for the computer products but the jewellery was bought in various souks while travelling.

I may be able to contact his younger brother who does speak some English.  His mother speaks only Arabic.  You are right we were not married - I thought this would likely complicate matters.  I'll see what the consulate says but I am thinking that it may be a lost cause unfortunately.  Thank you for your help though.

Yahya411

Sorry, but I don't think you'll be able to get back your stuff. If the computer was a laptop, you should have taken it back with you. Technically, Moroccan law frowns on couples living together without being married (especially, if one is Moroccan). Since you were living as a couple, he can claim everything as gifts or things purchased as couple which both have equal ownership. If he was paying the rent or you were living in his family house, I'm almost 100% certain, you can't get back your things. Just like in USA, this would be considered abandonment after certain period of time or your share of payment for rent or your share of paying the bills.

Vet51

Hi Yahya - we did not live as a couple but we did travel as a couple.  I paid for all bills such as car rental, accommodation, food etc. He had no money what so ever and did not work so he paid for nothing.
I bought a tablet and a phone as a means of communication for us while I was away working.

I am aware that the chances of me getting anything back are very low but am asking if anybody has had any experience or advice that may help.  Thank you for your help

Yahya411

I can tell you with confidence there's no chance of you getting back your stuff, unless he gives it back freely based on what my Moroccan wife told me. Sorry, you learned available lesson and this happens everywhere. Here in the USA, just watch Judge Judy. Many cases like yours and happens all the time when not a married couple.

Vet51

Yahya - Yes definitely lesson learnt.  I know I will not get these things back. But I will also never make the same mistake again.  Thank you so much for your input.

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