Palimony

Palimony is a slang term referring to a court judgment for property or support in a lawsuit between unmarried cohabitants. The term, a portmanteau of pal (see interpersonal relationship) and alimony, was coined by attorney Marvin Mitchelson in 1977 when his client Michelle Marvin (the former Michelle Triola) filed an unsuccessful suit against actor Lee Marvin. Ms. Marvin claimed that the actor, who was still married at the time, had promised to support her for the rest of her life. In legal jargon, a palimony case is sometimes called a "Marvin" case.

External links

• jlaskin.com: Attorney's site with articles and information about palimony and cohabitation agreements.