Common Law Marriages

I've lived with a woman here in california for the past 8 years. Although never officially married, we've lived like a married couple. Does this constitute a common-law marriage? If so, then am I entitled to anything upon our "divorce"? Both houses are in her name. I've paid her $21,840.00 over the past 7 years and have done all of the work of remodeling them. Where do I stand now that she's urging me to move out?

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

You stand no where.

California does not recognize "Common Law" marriages. All you've been doing is shacking up, and you are not protected under the marital statutes. Any money you've put into the house will only be considered "rent" by the court.

Next time, you'll get married. Now you know why people get married - - at least, this is one of the reasons.

Say, "good-bye, honey."

IAAL

[wtd]

I'm sure that once you were told to move you had sugarplums dancing in your head - but console yourself with -
you'd be hard pressed to find a house in Westminster for $250 a month with less than 12 roommates.

Luck on the next one -
wtd