The Georgia Court of Appeals recently affirmed  a Georgia trial court ruling in favor of a Georgia woman on her breach of promise to marry and fraud claims brought against her live in boyfriend. The Court of Appeals essentially agreed with the trial court on all issues involving a Georgia woman’s claims against her live in boyfriend who promised to marry her, gave her a ring, and fathered her child. The woman, in reliance on his representations, moved in with him, quit her job at his request, and they cohabitated as husband and wife. Problems arose when the woman learned that her boyfriend was having a relationship with another female around the time he was also leading her to believe they were going to be married, and that is the reason the fraud claim was upheld. This case is important because common law marriage was abolished in Georgia, and this case appears to indicate that courts will in certain circumstances find grounds to protect the rights of persons who have been wronged in relationships outside a formal marriage. Please contact Rumsey & Ramsey at (770) 394-9400 to discuss the facts of your case with an attorney.