For unmarried couples who have lived together in a long-term, committed relationship, the issue of financial support and property division can be complex. In California, the concept of palimony is not recognized, leaving many individuals wondering about their rights and legal options in such situations. Please contact us to shed light on your palimony rights in California and provide clarity on what unmarried partners can expect in terms of financial support and property division.
What is Palimony?
Palimony refers to support or financial compensation that one partner may seek from the other after the end of a long-term, non-marital relationship. It typically involves claims made by one partner who contributed financially or supported the other partner during their time together.
Palimony Rights in California
California does not provide specific palimony rights. This means that unmarried partners have no automatic entitlement to spousal support or property division following a breakup. California law treats unmarried partnerships differently from marriages and civil unions, carrying no obligation for one partner to financially support the other after separation.
While palimony rights are not recognized, California law does acknowledge the validity of written agreements between unmarried partners. If there is a valid written agreement that outlines financial support or property rights in the event of a separation, it may be enforceable in court.
If there is no enforceable agreement in place, the court will generally not intervene to determine financial support or property division for unmarried partners. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. In some cases, a partner may be able to make a claim for financial support or property division based on other legal principles, such as:
- Unjust Enrichment: A claim may be made if one partner can demonstrate that they contributed financially or played a significant role in the other partner’s accumulation of wealth or assets during the relationship.
- Contractual Promises: If one partner made explicit promises, either orally or in writing, to provide financial support or share property, and the other partner reasonably relied on those promises, a claim for enforcement may be possible.
Navigating the complexities of palimony and unmarried partnership rights in California can be challenging. We are an experienced family law firm who can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. We can help you understand your rights, assess the enforceability of any existing agreements, and explore potential legal avenues to seek financial support or property division.
FAQ’s
Q: What is palimony?
A: Palimony refers to the financial support or property rights granted to an unmarried partner after the end of a long-term relationship, similar to alimony in a marriage.
Q: Is palimony automatic in California?
A: No, palimony is not automatic in California. It requires a valid agreement between the partners that clearly outlines the financial support or property rights to be granted after the relationship ends.
Q: Can palimony be awarded if there was no written agreement?
Yes, palimony can be awarded even if there was no written agreement. In California, oral or implied agreements can be enforceable if there is sufficient evidence to prove the existence of such an agreement.
Are you seeking financial support from you ex-partner even though you were never married?
Our attorneys at the Law Office of Benjamin Kanani are experienced in handling palimony support matters and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact our office today for a free consultation!
(310) 593-9592