Property Law Keyed to Singer
Watts v. Watts
Facts
Sue Ann Evan Watts (Plaintiff) and James Watts (Defendant) began living together in a marriage-like relationship. They held themselves out as husband and wife. Plaintiff assumed Defendant’s surname, and so did the two children they had together. Plaintiff was on Defendant’s insurance policy. Plaintiff provided childcare and homemaking services. Eventually, she worked part time at his office. After twelve years together, she moved from their home and ended their relationship. Defendant barred her from returning to work. Plaintiff asserts that her contributions increased the business and personal wealth of the couple. She asserts that they had a contract to share equally the property accumulated during their relationship and the Defendant breached it when he refused to share equally with her the wealth accumulated through their joint efforts.
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