Section 29.5 Hewitt v. Hewitt

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

C. (§29.5) Hewitt v. Hewitt

In Hewitt v. Hewitt, 394 N.E.2d 1204 (Ill. 1979), the female plaintiff and the male defendant resided together for 15 years and had three children, who were recognized and supported by the defendant. The plaintiff alleged that:

the defendant, without a formal ceremony, induced her to live with him as his wife;

the parties subsequently held themselves out as husband and wife;

the defendant promised to “share his life, his future, his earnings and his property” with the plaintiff, id. at 1205;

with her earnings and efforts, the plaintiff supported development of the defendant’s career and substantial earning capacity; and

the defendant’s property accumulations resulted from the parties’ joint endeavors.

The plaintiff sought relief...