separate from partner of 25 years

[winifred]

Florida. We have lived in Florida for 10 years and 15 years in Connecticut and Massachusetts. My first question is does Florida have common law marriage and if not does Ct and Mass. Secondly my partner asked for a separation and paid me $10,000 to leave. I found out after I left that he was having an affair which was not the reason given to me for the separation. Would I be entitled to any other benefits as 25 years together has been spent living together as husband and wife without the legalities of marriage.

[pty]

There are only about a dozen states that still recognize common law marriage. Neither Florida, Connecticut or Massachusetts recognizes common law marriage. Alimony is support from a former spouse, palimony is support from a former...whatever you call someone that you lived with and never married. And I really don't know much about palimony, but maybe someone else on here does.

I just have to add, I've never heard of a person offering someone money to leave (unless they were incredibly wealthy)

[BelizeBreeze]

You are lucky he paid you to leave. Unless your name appears on any deed or other ownership papers, you were a cheap date for 25 years and are entitled to nothing.