Legal Question in Family Law in California

I have been living with my partner for 25 years without being legally married. We have filed taxes and shared a house as a married couple. We have 50/50 ownership on the house and I have money in the bank acct (which is only under my name).

We are now no longer living together and before he moved out, I signed a handwritten letter (that he wrote) indicating that I will keep all my money and he gets the house.

I would like to ask if this letter is legal and if I am bind to give him all of the house (as indicated on the letter)?


Asked on 4/05/10, 10:33 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

I am sure an attorney can try to find a way around the letter -- especially if it had been obtained through coercion or fraud. The tax issue might be problematic, and you should talk to a tax advisor about how far back you need to go to amend your returns. There is no common law marriage in California.

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Answered on 4/10/10, 5:14 pm


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