Press Release

Attorney Barry Fischer wins jury verdict on Marvin Claim based on an oral agreement ( Similar to Common law Marriage Claim)

LOS ANGELES (March 25, 2008) - Attorney Barry Fischer represented Joseph Brown in Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number SC089848 - Joseph Brown v. Gwen Redner. Mr. Brown and Ms. Render were boyfriend and girlfriend and lived together for 14 years.

They agreed to purchase a house together, and own it 50% each, and share equally the expenses for improvements, mortgage and living expenses. They purchased the residence and Mr. Brown was not on the title.

Their lives were great together full of love and fun. Mr. Brown paid $100,000 for property improvements, plus his share of the mortgage and living expenses for 12 years.

Then, Ms. Redner left Mr. Brown for the roofer and as so often happens, Ms. Redner denied the existence of the contract that Mr. Brown owned 50% of the property with improvements. Hence, Mr. Brown was forced to sue Ms. Redner for breach of contract.

Mr. Brown had a claim against his ex-girlfriend, Ms. Redner, for 50 % ownership of the residence. On March 25, 2008, the jury found that Mr. Brown was entitled to 50% of the property less the principal mortgage, and less credit for a separate structure on the property.

After the verdict, the parties settled, and Mr. Brown was paid $230,000.

There is no common law in marriage in California, but there is a right to claim based on enforcement of an oral or written agreement.