Legal Question in Family Law in California

I've been with the same person for nearly 27 years and married since 2012. We were marrieed in New York because at the time it was not legal for gay people to marry in California. She owned the house I moved into in 1988 and we jointly took care of the property since. My name is now on the tax papers. I know if I file for a divorce she will fight me on the house. My question is; do I have legal rights to 50% of the value of the house as I do with all other joint property?


Asked on 6/09/15, 4:20 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Gary R. White Burton & White

If you are not on title as a joint owner of the property your rights are limited. You need to consult with a family law attorney to get specific legal advice.

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Answered on 6/09/15, 4:24 pm

You almost certainly will not have a right to 50%. You almost equally certainly will have a right to some amount of reimbursement for some of the money put into the house since 2012. Depending on all the facts, details and evidence, you might have a right to some reimbursement of money put into the house from 1988 to date of marriage. For a more specific answer than that, you will have to consult in detail with a family law attorney.

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Answered on 6/09/15, 4:30 pm
Arlene Kock Law Offices of Arlene D. Kock APLC

More information is needed to flush out the issues in this case. If there been contributions of work and effort, possible principle pay down on the house etc. all these things can contribute to what percentage of interest you have in the house. Please meet with an experienced family law attorney to to explore your legal options.

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Answered on 6/11/15, 7:48 am


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