where I am (ontario) common-law is when 2 people a) are living at the same address for more than a year OR b) they have a child together...I'm not sure what the law is where you are, but here common-law marriage is just aboot the same as the official ceremony.

definitely get legal aid. do it fast, get somebody protecting your rights...I don't think that your ex's lawyer can tell you to shut down a company, not without a court order of some kind. but if you listen to them, and do shut down the company, you'd be responsible for the profit loss, any employees you may have, that sort of thing...watch your step, and always keep records of the non-illegal things. the littlest things can bite you in the ass later on.