Pickens v. Pickens

I

In an arguably unique factual setting we are asked this day to consider whether, upon the breakup of a couple which has lived together for many years without benefit of marriage, a chancery court may order a division of property by reference to the economic contributions the two parties have made to the accumulation of that property. Because we afford common law marriages no recognition, there is in our law no authority to award alimony in any such setting. On the other hand, by analogy to the dissolution of a common law partnership, our law requires an equitable distribution of assets upon…