Connell v. Francisco

Shannon Connell (plaintiff) and Richard Francisco (defendant) cohabitated in a marriage-like relationship recognized as such by their community, with Connell working unpaid for nearly two years managing Francisco's bed-and-breakfast business; Francisco's net worth nearly doubled during the relationship, largely from real property acquired by his companies. After the couple separated, the trial court equitably divided property acquired during the relationship that would have been community property had they married, while excluding pre-relationship property from distribution; Francisco appealed, and the court of appeals reversed.