In Re the Domestic Partnership of Raimer

This is an action for division of property after the breakdown of a nonmarital relationship. The trial court awarded plaintiff judgment for one-half of the $30,000 appreciation on defendant’s ranch and $6,000 for items plaintiff had purchased for the ranch. Defendant appeals.

Defendant first assigns error to the trial court’s determination that the parties had formed a domestic partnership. However, under Beal v. Beal, 282 Or 115, 577 P2d 507 (1978), the critical inquiry is not whether their relationship can be labeled a “domestic partnership.” Rather, the question is the intention of the…