A controversial family law case involving a “Sesame Street” actor came to an end in New Jersey recently. A judge has ruled that the 71-year-old man must make support payments to his ex-girlfriend of 39 years, even though the couple never entered into a written agreement to that effect. The woman sued her ex for the financial support, or palimony, when she became at risk of being evicted from her home.

The woman, 61, argued that the two had an understanding that he would support her financially for the rest of her life. The couple split up in 2010, and the man voluntarily paid palimony to his ex until he remarried in 2012.

As many married women argue when they seek alimony, this woman claimed that she gave up her own career and raised their four children during their relationship.

The man has not denied that the two had an agreement regarding palimony, but has argued that he is not legally required to pay support because of a 2010 amendment to the New Jersey Statute of Frauds.

That law requires all palimony agreements to be written in order to be enforceable.

The judge, however, ruled that this case is an exception to that amendment because an oral agreement existed and the woman held up her end of the agreement, among other factors.

The actor plans to appeal the decision.

While this case may prove that there are exceptions to the palimony rule, unmarried couples would still be wise to protect their legal interests by entering into written agreements that address such issues. It is important to do so under the guidance of family law attorneys.

Source: NJ.com, “Sesame Street’s Roscoe Orman loses palimony battle with mother of their four children,” Thomas Zambito, Sept. 24, 2013