What Are Your Rights in a Cohabitation Agreement?
In theory, your individual property rights in a cohabitation arrangement are stronger than they are 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 that based upon promises exchanged between the parties, that it should be subject to equal division.
As a California palimony attorney for individuals with high net worth for more than 20 years, I have been involved in many cases involving shared assets and separate assets. Palimony actions are brought by individuals seeking to claim assets as shared property, based on the roles played and the contributions of the parties. In the landmark palimony case, Marvin v. Marvin, in 1976, Michelle Marvin Triola successfully argued that their long period of cohabitation was tantamount to a marriage. The courts agreed that an agreement based on promises to share financial assets and property, provide homemaker services, companionship and to render the other financially secure can be enforced by the courts.
If you are considering cohabitation, or are considering dissolving a cohabitation arrangement, speak to me about protecting your financial interests. I practice only in the area of California Palimony and family law, involving individuals of high net worth. I have represented and opposed many highprofile celebrities, professionals, and executives and I recognize the need for confidentiality and discretion.
You Can Rely On My Experience in all Areas of Domestic Partnerships
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 California Super Lawyers magazine from 2004 through 2011 and I have been rated amongst the top 5% of Southern California practicing attorneys in an extensive peer review conducted by Law and Politics magazine.
I have made numerous appearances as a guest commentator on programs such a “The Today Show”, “Larry King Live”, “Good Morning America,” MSNBC – Dan Abrams,” “Extra”, “Dateline”, “Fox News” and “CNN”. I have also been quoted in The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Contact my office in Beverly Hills to learn more, or to make an appointment for a no cost Palimony consultation.