What was Marriage of Marvin?

In a pivotal California Supreme Court case called Marvin v Marvin [1976) 18 C3d 660], the court recognized the increasing trend of couples living together without getting married. This groundbreaking ruling set a precedent allowing partners in non-marital relationships to pursue division of property and spousal support upon separation. The case involved Ms. Marvin, an aspiring Hollywood actress, and Mr. Marvin, an established Academy Award-winning actor.

Over the course of their six-years of living together, Ms. Marvin had changed her last name to match her partner's, forsaking her budding acting career to focus on their household (though they had no children). She contended that Mr. Marvin had verbally agreed to provide for her financially and share his earnings.

However, once their relationship ended and the case reached the California Supreme Court, Ms. Marvin was unable to provide sufficient evidence of this oral contract that could have entitled her to a share of the property that would have been considered communal if they had been married. The court ruled that the benefits accorded to married individuals couldn't be extended to those who had chosen not to marry.

Nonetheless, the ruling left room for future cohabiting couples to claim their rights. The court suggested that if cohabiting individuals could demonstrate an explicit or implicit agreement, they might be able to claim the financial security that Ms. Marvin could not.