Do I have any liability from a long term relationship that did not occur in a common law state?
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Do I have any liability from a long term relationship that did not occur in a common law state?
I just exited a 10 year long term relationship that involved cohabitation for 7+ years. We did not own property together, nor did we have common names on any lease or auto purchase. However, as I have a substantial amount of assets, I want to ensure I have no liability to her. I’ve lived only in non-common law states. We never filed a joint tax return; we always filed “single”.
Asked on June 24, 2011 under Family Law, Kentucky
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
What you are afraid of is what: a "palimony" type suit that resulted in California so many years ago? You can double check with an attorney in your area on the matter as to what, if anything at all, your girlfriend would be entitled to claim under Kentucky law but it appears that there was never an intent on your part to make the union "official" in any way over the last at least 7 years. May I suggest that in the future you consider some type of legal document be drawn up regarding the issue of separateness of assets? Just so you do not worry about the matter again. Good luck to you.
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