An Inclusive Litany
1/18/93
A $6,000 award to a woman who sued her former boyfriend over
housekeeping chores during their seven-year cohabitation was upheld
in December by a Wisconsin court. Linda Walsh and her sons lived in
dairy worker Harlan Ray's home from 1979 to 1987. Ray's kids also
spent half their time there, according to court papers. Ray handled
mortgage payments and utility fees, while Walsh took care of the
cooking and cleaning. Two years after their split, Walsh sued Ray,
demanding compensation for her share of household duties. A Circuit
Court jury in Sauk County decided in favor of Walsh in July 1991. Ray
appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals "fighting on principle,"
but lost on December 3.