palimony
Palimony is a colloquial term used to refer to a court’s award of financial support or assets to one party of a non-marital relationship following a break-up. The term is a portmanteau of the words pal (meaning friend) and alimony . The term was created by media during coverage of the California case Marvin v. Marvin , in which the court held that express agreements between non-marital partners regarding division of earnings and property are enforceable.
Currently, a majority of states recognize palimony when there is a valid agreement. However, states differ in what form they require the agreement to take. Some states require a written agreement , while others need only an express oral or implied agreement . Although, not all states recognize palimony as a cause of action, like Rhode Island .
[Last updated in July of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
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