Planning for the future, Linda Liz Pendens wanted to ensure that, if she died first, before her life partner (but not legally married spouse) Bill Pendens, Bill would receive Linda's interest in the Pendens Residence (their shared home) property, automatically by law on Linda's death, outside of any will or probate proceeding that Linda's children from a prior marriage might participate in or fight over.

[Scenario] Despite "Linda's" good intent, her life partner "Bill" was tired of life with her/him/they/Linda. Their life in real estate had become boring, dull, and predictable to Bill, who had given up a moderately successful acting and dancing career to support Linda in her ventures.

Although Linda had promised publicly to take care of Bill alwaysfor the sacrifices that Bill had madeLinda became angry when Bill told her it was time for Bill to get out from under the Linda "Liz" Pendens that was just hanging around for years. Linda angrily locked Bill out of their home and out of Lizs bank accounts.

Referring to choices (a, b, c, d), under California law, could Bill legally sue Linda for some form of compensation from Linda following their split:

a. No, because Linda and Bill never were married, Linda property and money is her separate property.

b. No, because Bill made voluntary decisions to live with Linda as unmarried life partners, a relationship not legally recognized in California.

c. Yes, because, after so many years in California as Linda's common law spouse, Bill has a community property interest in Linda's property and money.

d. Yes, because, despite the couples unmarried status, Bill likely has a claim for palimony.

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