NJSBA Family Law Section

I realize Friel (although unpublished) provides that exceptional circumstances may allow for an award of open durational alimony despite a short term marriage...

Is anyone aware of case law that provides for a similar argument to be made for equitable distribution?

Parties were together 20+ years, residing together, had children prior to marriage, both parties contributing to the relationship either as an at home parent or in the workforce, and the parties even co-owned a property prior to marriage. But, the parties but did not get married until they were ten years into the relationship. 

The husband purchased several properties, and also accumulated retirement benefits, during the ten years the parties were together but had not yet married . 

Equity dictates the wife should have a claim for distribution of the premarital but does any case law support the claim?

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

I realize Friel (although unpublished) provides that exceptional circumstances may allow for an award of open durational alimony despite a short term marriage...

Is anyone aware of case law that provides for a similar argument to be made for equitable distribution?

Parties were together 20+ years, residing together, had children prior to marriage, both parties contributing to the relationship either as an at home parent or in the workforce, and the parties even co-owned a property prior to marriage. But, the parties but did not get married until they were ten years into the relationship. 

The husband purchased several properties, and also accumulated retirement benefits, during the ten years the parties were together but had not yet married . 

Equity dictates the wife should have a claim for distribution of the premarital but does any case law support the claim?

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

I realize Friel (although unpublished) provides that exceptional circumstances may allow for an award of open durational alimony despite a short term marriage...

Is anyone aware of case law that provides for a similar argument to be made for equitable distribution?

Parties were together 20+ years, residing together, had children prior to marriage, both parties contributing to the relationship either as an at home parent or in the workforce, and the parties even co-owned a property prior to marriage. But, the parties but did not get married until they were ten years into the relationship. 

The husband purchased several properties, and also accumulated retirement benefits, during the ten years the parties were together but had not yet married . 

Equity dictates the wife should have a claim for distribution of the premarital but does any case law support the claim?

Thank you in advance for any assistance.