What Are Your Rights in a Cohabitation Agreement?
In theory, your individual property rights in a cohabitation arrangement are stronger than if you were in a marriage. Under California law, property obtained during the course of a marriage becomes community property, subject to equal division in a divorce settlement. But without a legal marriage, all property is considered individual property, unless a party can prove in a lawsuit that it should be subject to equal division.
As a California palimony attorney for individuals with high net worth for more than 18 years, I have been involved in many cases involving shared assets and separate assets. Palimony lawsuits are brought by individuals seeking to claim assets as shared property, based on the roles and contributions of the parties. In the landmark palimony case, Marvin v. Marvin, in 1976, Michelle Marvin successfully argued that their long period of cohabitation was tantamount to a marriage. The courts agreed that an agreement to share financial assets and property and render a companion financially secure can be enforced by the courts.
If you are considering cohabitation, or are considering dissolving a cohabitation arrangement, talk to me about protecting your financial interests. I practice only in the area of California palimony and family law, specifically for individuals of high net worth. I have represented and opposed many high-profile celebrities, professionals, and executives and I recognize the need for confidentiality and discretion.
You Can Rely On My Experience in all Areas of Domestic Partnership
Since 1992 I have been working exclusively in the field of palimony and divorce for individuals of high net worth in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. I have been listed in Southern California Super Lawyers magazine from 2004 through 2009 and I have been rated among the top 5% of Southern California practicing attorneys in an extensive peer review conducted by Law & Politics magazine.
I have made numerous appearances as a guest commentator on programs as “the Today Show,” “Larry King Live,” “Good Morning America,” "MSNBC - Dan Abrams," “Extra,” and programs on Fox and CNN. I have also been quoted in The Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and New York Times.
Contact my office in Beverly Hills to learn more, or to make an appointment for a no cost consultation.
