Legal Question in Family Law in California

Cohabitation with Children In California

I have been living in my boyfriends home with our two young children for approx. 5 years. Our agreement was for me to care for the children and home and he continue to work as a self-employed painting contractor to support the family. We do not have a joint banking account. I no longer have an income of my own, and my personal accounts were exhausted long ago on groceries and the like whenever he claimed he didn't have any money. We are completely at his mercy and must beg for every penny when in need of hair cuts etc. There have been issues of domestic violence. He was arrested once for felony domestic abuse, however, formal charges were never made. Now it appears we will be seperating. He has completely cut me off financially, took my gas card, cancelled my medical insurance, and I was forced to pawn some of my jewelry just to have some pocket money. He has retained an attorney and expects to evict me. He says since I have no where to go and no money to secure housing, I will be forced to leave the children in his custody. What rights do I have? Can he be held financially obligated to relocate me or pay me some sort of monetary award because I gave up my income to care for the children and home?


Asked on 11/18/08, 4:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Cohabitation with Children In California

You have the rights of any mother. First you should seek help from a domestic violence help center. Obtain a domestic violence restraining order removing him from the home. Then petition the court for child support, and fees with which to retain an attorney. Once you start this process be prepared to follow through to the end.

You should discuss the possibility filing a complaint based on the verbal agreement for you to take care of the home and children. That you would share in the bounty of his employmment.

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Answered on 11/26/08, 6:14 pm


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