My partner's daughters
want my jewelry

Dear Tita,

My live-in partner Carlo and I lived together for nine years before he died suddenly in a motorcycle accident. We couldn't get married as he was still legally married to his estranged wife, Ason, who is now living in Batangas with her partner, a Chinese businessman. Carlo had planned to file for annulment of their marriage but somehow, he never got around to it especially when he learned of the hassles involved.

Our nine years together was full of love and happiness even though we couldn't have kids because of a defect in my uterus. We were both working and our joint income afforded us a very comfortable lifestyle. Carlo loved giving me expensive gifts, especially jewelry. I also gave him hi-tech gadgets as he was an avid techie. He wanted the latest cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. We spoiled each other as we didn't have children of our own. His two daughters were abroad with their own families. I really loved him so much; he was perfect in my eyes.

When the accident happened, I cried for days while at the same time, I had to attend to the wake and preparations for his funeral. His two daughters, Gina and Lyn, arrived after I informed them of their father's death. They were civil to me and took over the arrangements for Carlo's funeral. They informed their mother, who said she couldn't come to pay her last respects. While they were here, they talked to a lot of people. This is how they got the information that Carlo gave me a fine collection of nice jewelry.

After the funeral, they sat down with me and asked about Carlo's money and properties that he might have left behind. I told them that the house and car was paid for by both Carlo and I as we were both earning money. I showed them the receipts of the monthly amortizations we paid for. I also told them that half the money in our joint savings account was from Carlo and the other half was mine.

I got the shock of my life when they asked about my jewelry. They said they had a right to it as it came from their father. I was so stunned that I couldn't answer them at once. Now, I heard they are consulting a lawyer to see what they can get from me. I am still grieving over Carlo's death but already, I am facing this problem.

What should I do?

STILL GRIEVING

Dear Still Grieving,

You have to talk to your lawyer and find out your rights.

The jewelry collection was a gift from Carlo to you. As to his share of the house and car, that is something you might have to work out with his daughters. I feel sorry for you. You have to face this problem while still in a state of shock over his death.

This is where I admire the family unity of Zsa Zsa Padilla and the children of her late partner Dolphy. They have shown how they love and care for each other with his passing.

TITA