Los Angeles Common Law Divorce Lawyer
Cohabitation relationships that assume responsibilities and roles generally associated with a marriage don’t necessarily provide property rights to either partner. Officially, “common law marriage” ended in California more than a century ago, but people continue to move in together, sometimes for many years, without getting legally married.
I am Los Angeles palimony attorney Cary W. Goldstein. For nearly 25 years, I have been helping individuals fight to protect their financial assets and property holdings through the use of palimony claims or cohabitation agreements.
California courts do not automatically recognize the property rights of the parties when a cohabitation arrangement dissolves, although the famous case of Marvin v. Marvin has shown that certain rights and responsibilities are created by the nature of the relationship.
Contact me to arrange an opportunity to discuss your circumstances.
I work with unmarried domestic partners who have significant financial interests to protect. I have three decades of experience in domestic relations litigation, including:
- Cohabitation agreements
- Shared assets and separate assets
- Gay and lesbian cohabitation
- Domestic torts
- Divorce and marital property settlements
I am nationally recognized for my work in California palimony law and was formerly associated with attorney Marvin Mitchelson, who successfully represented Michelle Marvin in her landmark 1976 palimony case against actor Lee Marvin.
If your long-term relationship has ended and the financial support your partner promised you has not materialized, you can sue for breach of express or implied contract, and depending on the facts of your case, possibly other causes of action as well, such as acquiring title to real estate or fraud. Several details can strengthen your case, such as if you were included in a will or life-insurance policy, if you shared ownership of properties and accounts, or if you had children together.
Make sure you protect your financial interests. Palimony cases are handled much like breach of contract cases in California civil courts. Regardless of the length of your living arrangement or the financial contribution you made to the relationship, there is no assumption of community property.
I have earned national recognition for my leadership in legal issues involving palimony law and have appeared on the "Today" Show, "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America," "Celebrity Justice," "Extra," and programs on Fox and CNN.
Contact me today so that we can begin protecting your rights and financial interests.
