Metten v. Benge

McGIVERIN, Justice.

Respondent Ronald Rene Benge appeals from a decree dividing property and awarding child custody and support in an equity action between unmarried cohabitants. We affirm.

Petitioner Peggy Ann Metten and Ronald lived together from 1974 to 1982 (except for an eight-month separation from August 1980 to April 1981). During that time they became parents of a son, Brian, who was born in 1979, and acquired real and personal property, including a jointly owned homestead.

In December 1982 Peggy filed a petition for dissolution of marriage under Iowa Code chapter 598. In her petition…