Q: Does a 30 year relationship ending have the same rights as a married couple? We share 4 children 2 still minors.
We have lived as husband and wife for 30 years.
A:
This is something you meed to consult an attorney about. The rules with respect to the children are identical whether or not the parents were married. There will be some decision as to custody, parenting time, and child support for the minor children and child support can be ordered for adult children from age 18 to age 21 if they are full time students.
I terms of property division and resolving debts, you would file what is called the dissolution of a domestic partnership. Unlike a marriage there is no presumption of equal rights and equal contribution into marital assets and debts. Rather the parties have to either prove or stipulate that they were operating as a business partnership and that they have 50:50 rights in any property. There is no right to get spousal support.
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