Cohabitation Issues
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
Marvin Actions & California Cohabitation Laws
Newport Beach Marvin Action Attorneys
California is a state that does not recognize common law marriage. That is, regardless of the time that you have lived with your partner, the state does not at any point consider you married. Though this is the case, California law does allow rights to both individuals in a cohabitation situation, including same-sex couples. To learn about your property rights under the California cohabitation laws, turn to a lawyer at the Burch Shepard Family Law Group.
What Is a Marvin Action?
When a breakup occurs involving a relationship where two individuals were living together, a "Marvin action" is filed. It may be possible for a nonmarital partner to receive a share of property earned during the relationship (such as property or pensions). When speaking with a lawyer at our firm, we can further explain how a "Marvin action" may be applicable to your case.
When evaluating a Marvin Action, we look at:
How long did you live together?
Did one party financially support the other?
What did each party contribute?
Cohabitation Rights of Unmarried Couples
The rights you have, if cohabiting with someone, are either by a written or verbal contract. They are enforceable under law, and our firm is able to represent your interests and advocate for your rights in cohabitation situations. Our Newport Beach family law attorneys take the time to explain the process of enforcing these rights through a lawsuit that is filed in civil court.
We can resolve common issues that cohabitating couples face, including:
Disputes over properties and assets
Financial support for a long-term partner
How to divide custody of their children
When a case involves a verbal contract, it is frequently difficult to prove. However, our firm will investigate the facts and build the strongest case the facts permit.
Representing Cases Involving Common Law Marriage In California
Our firm specializes in family law and we are well-positioned to handle cohabitation issues. These matters are a hybrid of the two legal areas, encompassing issues of property division and contract issues. Our firm prides itself on its knowledge of the laws and ability to effectively explain your options for seeking a resolution to the matter.
For a consultation with a mediation attorney at the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, call (949) 565-4158 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Orange County, California, including the cities of Newport Beach and Santa Ana.
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
Former Client
“A brilliantly educated pit bull”
“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
For a consultation with an Orange County attorney at the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, call (949) 565-4158 or contact us online.
Community Resources:
A variety of nonprofit social services agencies provide counseling services to divorcing families in the areas of domestic violence, marriage, family and children, and drug and alcohol abuse. Legal assistance is also available. For a list of these community resources, please contact Family Court Services at 714-935-6550.
Books To Help Divorcing Parents And Their Children:
My Mom and Dad Are Getting a Divorce by Florence Bienenfeld
Mom's House, Dad's House by Isolina Ricci, Ph.D.
Co-Parenting by Miriam Galper
When Living Hurts by Gordon Sol
Megan's Book of Divorce: A Kid's Book for Adults by Eric Jong
Child Custody: Building Agreements That Work by Mimi E. Lyster
The Parental Alienation Syndrome: A Guide for Mental Health and Legal Professionals by Richard A. Gardner, M.D.
