California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from Elden v. Sheldon, 250 Cal.Rptr. 254, 46 Cal.3d 267, 758 P.2d 582 (Cal. 1988):
Despite the majority's exaggerated fears of unpredictable and inconsistent results, the proposed standard would not be applied in a conceptual vacuum. As the court in Butcher v. Superior Court (1983) 139 Cal.App.3d 58, 188 Cal.Rptr. 503 observed, evidence of the stability and significance of a relationship can be demonstrated by reference to several objective factors, including "the duration of the relationship; whether the parties have a mutual contract; the degree of economic cooperation and [46 Cal.3d 284] entanglement; exclusivity of sexual relations; [and] whether there is a 'family' relationship with children." (P. 70, 188 Cal.Rptr. 503.) The court might also consider how the couple represents their relationship to family, friends, neighbors and coworkers; and correspondingly, how they are viewed by others.
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