Joanne Gibeault says that after giving up her cabinetry business and spending her days caring for her partner’s ill parents, she was told to screw off by her now-ex when a younger lady found her way between the two. Facing poverty, Gibeault is filing a palimony suit, one of the state’s first for same-sex couples. Well, sort of.
“All I want is what married people would have if it happened to them,” says “She promised it to me. I am 53 years old. I don’t have a lot of time left before I retire.”
The furious and poor Gibeault can’t actually file a palimony suit, since thanks to Gov. Linda Lingle the state doesn’t recognize any form of homo relations. Which means Gibeault is taking her ex to civil court, alleging they had a verbal contract that all of their assets — which are in the ex’s name — would be shared.
And that’s the state of gay relationships in states without marriage or even civil unions: Resorting to he said, she said. Congratulations, America!
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Qjersey
I support gay marriage because I support gay divorce.
ricky lee
She was far to trusting of her ex! She failed to protect herself and her assets and have a backup plan for herself financially. This is something that is NOT orientation specific! She wants the courts to do for her what she failed to do herself. Even if there was divorce for this situation, what would stop her ex to go after everything if her name wasn’t involved in any of the assets? This is why no matter what your orientation is you should never mix money with anyone! You fail to cover your butt on something like this you Will get burned! She should have saw this coming and deserves no sympathy from anyone. Sure it’s harsh but it is the same advice a straight married couple with an unhealthy relationship would get. Funny how gays act utterly shocked when a story like this happens but it’s so textbook in today’s society! An older couple gets in a long-running rut…some pretty lil thang gives time and attention to one of them and suddenly the person they’re stuck in a rut with seems like baggage and is promptly cut out of the picture. If you don’t watch out for yourself no one else will. One should never assume the person they’re with is the person that will be around until the end. Live in the now for crying out loud! Such 1950’s era sentiments for relationships to be everlasting doesn’t fit with where society is today in regards to how it views and deals with long-term relationships.
unclemike
Yeah, Ricky! Why should you ever trust someone you’re in love with??
Michael
A palimony suit in a business dispute? She will be lucky if the judge lets her attorney go without sanctions. Family Court has no jurisdiction in business matters, and judges take a very dim view of people trying to game the system. I’m sorry for her problems, but the purpose of legally enforceable written contracts, is because human nature has a nasty habit of trumping trust in the real world.
Gregg
“All I want is what married people would have if it happened to them.” Be careful what you ask the court to do, lest you can wind up in worse shape. It’s a tough world, and at 53, welcome to reality. This can get even worse, if she plans to pursue. Attorney for the defendant can easily answer with a counter suit, arguing plaintiff abandoned the business by choice, leaving the owner no alternative but to devote her full time to work, to ensure the continued viability of the business. Plaintiff might even be forced to pay damages, if same can be established. Cold? You bet. Live and learn – to get your business agreements in writing. No court can restore love, but many can render you penniless.
scott ny'er
@ricky lee: @unclemike: What Ricky said was harsh and sad but true. UMike brings up a point about love but one must always protect their financial self. To give up a business is a HUGE sacrifice and gives up your power.
I feel bad for Joanne and no doubt she is not alone. There are many people, mostly women I’d guess, who gave up their careers for whatever reasons and then ultimately got shafted by their partners (hetero and homo).
3 separate bank accts. 1 for you. 1 for your partner. 1 combined.