The term meretricious refers to two individuals who live together in cohabitation that is marital in nature, but not on paper. In other words, there is no legal marital relationship. This term is particularly prevalent in the areas of family law and property law. When a meretricious relationship ends, disputes may arise regarding the division of property, financial support, and other related matters. Courts may consider various factors to determine the rights and obligations of the parties involved, such as the duration of the relationship, the length of time that the parties have cohabitated together, the pooling of financial resources (i.e. the extent to which finances have been commingled), the intent of the parties, and the degree of mutual commitment. It's important to note that the specific legal definitions and implications of meretricious relationships can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
[Last updated in July of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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