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Dolores Contreras and Anna Encinias

Understanding California Marvin Actions: A Crucial Overlooked Area of Law

by | Oct 18, 2024 | Contracts, Divorce |

In the world of law, certain types of cases fall between the lines of different practice areas. One such example is the California Marvin Action, a civil action that many family law attorneys do not handle because it resembles civil litigation, while many civil litigators avoid it because of its family law-like nature. At our firm, we have carved out a unique space by taking on Marvin Actions, filing them, defending them, and even taking them to trial with successful results.

What is a Marvin Action?

A Marvin Action stems from the landmark case Marvin v. Marvin, which established the concept of “palimony” in California. Unlike traditional family law cases, which typically involve the division of assets between married spouses, Marvin Actions deal with the rights of unmarried couples who lived together and, in some cases, built lives and assets together. These actions arise when one party seeks to enforce oral or written agreements made during the relationship regarding the sharing of property or financial support, despite the absence of legal marriage.

Why Are Marvin Actions So Important?

In today’s world, many couples choose to live together and build lives without getting legally married, either for personal reasons or due to changing social norms. Over time, these couples may accumulate significant assets, share investments, and even combine financial resources, but without the legal protections marriage provides. In cases where a relationship ends, one partner may feel entitled to a share of the assets accumulated during the relationship based on agreements made while living together.

Marvin Actions are essential for individuals in this situation because they provide a legal avenue for enforcing those agreements. This is especially critical for couples who were together for many years, contributed to one another’s financial success, or acquired significant assets before eventually getting married.

Why Other Attorneys Don’t Take On Marvin Actions

Many family law attorneys shy away from Marvin Actions because these cases fall under civil litigation, rather than family law. They require a deep understanding of contract law and asset division without the typical family law framework of divorce and community property. On the flip side, civil litigation attorneys often avoid these cases because they involve deeply personal relationship dynamics that are typically found in family law disputes.

However, at our firm, we have the advantage of practicing both civil litigation and family law, allowing us to take a comprehensive approach to Marvin Actions. Our experience in both areas gives us the unique ability to navigate the complex legal landscape of these cases.

How We Can Help

At our firm, we handle Marvin Actions from start to finish—whether that means filing the case, defending against claims, or taking the matter to trial. Our team understands the importance of these cases, particularly for couples who spent years building lives together without the legal framework of marriage. We help clients establish and protect their rights, ensuring they get a fair outcome, especially when significant assets are at stake.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve spent years with a partner, contributed to shared assets, and now need to enforce agreements made during your relationship, a Marvin Action may be the right path for you. Our firm’s extensive experience in this area ensures that we are well-equipped to fight for your rights and protect your financial future.

While Marvin Actions are not as widely known or understood as traditional family law or civil cases, they are a vital tool for protecting the rights of individuals who have shared lives and built assets with their partners without the legal protections of marriage. Whether you’re seeking to enforce an agreement or defend yourself against a claim, our firm is uniquely positioned to handle Marvin Actions with the expertise, care, and attention they require.

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