Midland, TX asked in Family Law for New Mexico

Q: Can I receive any kind of support or property if I leave a relationship after 23 years we are not married .

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you leave a long-term relationship in which you were not married, you may not be entitled to support or property division in the same way that a divorcing spouse would be. However, some states recognize what is called "common law marriage" with certain conditions, or you may have rights under "palimony" considerations if you can prove an agreement or an understanding that one partner would support the other. If you've jointly acquired property, you may also have rights to a share of that property.

It would be wise to document any joint financial contributions or agreements made during the relationship. The specifics of your rights can vary greatly depending on the state in which you live. It would be beneficial to discuss your particular situation with a legal professional who can guide you based on your state’s laws and the details of your relationship.

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