In the case of Maglica versus Maglica, Tony Maglica the creator and founder of the Maglite- Flashlight Company is being sued by his ex-girlfriend, Claire Maglica. Tony and Claire Maglica were together for 23 years, during their relationship Claire was promised part ownership of the Maglite Company. Now after there breakup she is suing Tony Maglica for half of the companies" assets, based on the promise he had made to her during their relationship.
Claire claims that Mr. Maglica promised her that they would share the assets of the Maglite Company, regardless if their relationship was to be a failure or success, during their stay at the Western Motel in Palm Springs. She feels that by not making good on the promise that Mr. Maglica is breaching a contract they had between them. Claire also notes that when the company was originated it was only worth mere hundreds or thousands. However, today because of her help to build up the company, as its Executive Vice President, it is worth millions. .
The verdict of the case was in favor of Claire and she was awarded 84 million dollars. Though do feel she should have been given some compensation, I believe that the ruling and the award of 84 million dollars was unjust. .
When looking at this case we have to keep in mind some facts. Firstly, though in some states it is stipulated that if you are together for more than seven years you are considered to be legally married, this is not the case in the state of California. In California, marriage must be inducted by a judge or pastor. Though the personal went to the church and said vows in front of Claire's sister it does not have any legitimacy to it. Thus there was no legal marriage, so she should not be entitled to half of anything he owns.
Secondly, though Claire claimed that Mr. Maglica had promised her assets in the company, the defense had paperwork proving that she had willfully given up and did not want any rights or ownership of the company.