Making Palimony Agreements in Fresno

The term Palimony is an amalgamation of the words pal and alimony.  Palimony is a grant of support similar to alimony, however in palimony cases the couple were not married but lived together for a long period and then terminated their relationship.

A determining factor in awarding palimony support is whether there was an agreement that one partner would support the other in return for the second making a home and performing other domestic duties beyond sexual pleasures. In some states, courts are without authority to hear palimony claims between men and women living together out of wedlock, when no written contract exists.

Marriage has evolved over the centuries. In ancient Rome, marriage was in fact accomplished by consent of the parties to live together. Consenting to a partnership is not unlike marriage, where a stay-at-home partner chooses to nurture the career of the providing partner, provides full-time care to the children of the partnership, and/or pursues further education. This partner acquires property rights and insurance protection along with the financial support of the providing partner and has the right to seek palimony if the arrangement ends in dissolution.

Palimony is colloquial term coined by attorney Marvin Mitchelson in 1977 when his client Michelle Triola who had engaged in a long-term affair filed an unsuccessful suit against actor Lee Marvin for palimony.

Unlike alimony, which is typically provided for by law, palimony is not guaranteed to unmarried partners. Palimony is a gender neutral concept that applies just to couples who are in a long term relationship. A palimony contract can be verbal, implied, or written.  If you are contemplating a palimony lawsuit or apprehensive about one filed against you, the Fresno Law Office of Fisher & Leiser can help ensure that your rights are protected.

If you have questions about palimony spousal support, please email the Fresno Law Offices of Fisher & Leiser or call 559-892-0365  to learn more.