Marvin v. Marvin
Supreme Court of California
557 P.2d 106 (1976)
- Written by Sarah Larkin, JD
Facts
Ms. Marvin (plaintiff) and Mr. Marvin (defendant) lived together without marrying for seven years. He was married at the time that they began to cohabitate but subsequently divorced. According to Ms. Marvin, the couple orally agreed to hold themselves out as husband and wife, to pool all of their efforts and assets, and to share the fruits of such equally. She further alleges that they agreed she would give up her career in order to focus on domestic duties and that he would support her financially from then on. Over the course of their cohabitation, she took care of the household while he worked outside the home. Substantial assets were obtained, all in his name. In May 1970, he compelled her to leave their house, although he continued to support her financially until November 1971. She sued him for breach of an express contract. The trial court granted Mr. Marvin judgment on the pleadings. Ms. Marvin appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Tobriner, J.)
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