Marvin v. Marvin

122 Cal.App.3d 871 (1981)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Michelle Triola (P) moved in with Lee Marvin (D) in 1964. D was an actor. When P moved in, she gave up her lucrative entertainment career to became a companion, homemaker, housekeeper, and cook and in return, D agreed to provide for all of P's financial support and needs. This cohabitation was the result of an initial agreement between them to live together as unmarried persons so long as they both enjoyed their mutual companionship and affection. After their relationship dissolved years later, P attempted to enforce an agreement made between P and D before she moved in. This agreement was to divide all household income earned while they were living together. The trial court found that: D has never had any obligation to pay to P a reasonable sum for her maintenance; P suffered no damage resulting from the relationship, P actually benefited economically and socially from the cohabitation of the parties, including payment by D for goods and services for P's sole benefit in the approximate amount of $72,900, payment by D of the living expenses of $221,400, and other substantial specified gifts. The trial court dismissed P's action, and the court of appeals affirmed. P appealed. California does not recognize common law marriages. P was then awarded $104,000 for economic rehabilitation. D appealed.