Legal Question in Family Law in California
I have been in a long term relationship for 20+yrs, engaged but never legally married. We have a 8yr old daughter together. And for the pass 20+ yrs he has been the one and only income and support to myself and my daughter. He owns his own business and has property. However he wishes to end our relationship and I'm not sure what or where i stand financially. You see for these pass 20+yrs I have been a house wife and a mother to my 8yr old daughter. Although he says he will continue to take care of my daughter and I, I still feel the need to know my rights and actions i must take if he does not keep he's verbal agreement.
1 Answer from Attorneys
You need to go to a divorce attorney in order to protect yorself and your young daughter. If he stated he would always take care of you, then you may qualify under the Lee Marvin case for the same type of support as though you were married. It is always much better to have things in writing. As to the child, he owes child support no matter what the martial status.