Living Together and Not Married: Tiger Woods and Erica Herman Breakup and Lawsuits

Tiger Woods, a legendary golfer, has recently made headlines again. This time it is due to a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend of several years, Erica Herman.

Although they were not married, they were living together, and their breakup has been all over the media. The news of their split was accompanied by reports that Herman signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) when they started dating, which is a common practice in high-profile relationships. An NDA is a legal agreement that prevents the disclosure of confidential information, and it's typically used to protect the privacy of celebrities and public figures.

Tiger Woods is a brand in and of himself, and his personal life has a significant impact on his public image and his endorsement deals. Regardless of the specifics of their relationship and the NDA, the case of Tiger Woods and Erica Herman raises important questions about the legal and financial implications of living together without being married.

When a couple lives together without being married they do not necessarily have the same rights and protections as married couples. This can have significant consequences in the event of a breakup or the death of one of the partners.

In the event of a breakup, there may be no legal framework to determine the division of assets and liabilities. This can lead to protracted and costly legal battles, which can be emotionally draining for both parties.

In this case, Woods allegedly ended the relationship in October 2022. At that time, Erica Herman filed a lawsuit against the homestead trust Tiger controls, citing a violation of the Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Although Herman was living rent free, she says that she provided valuable services to Tiger and that there was an oral agreement to allow her to remain in thehouse for 5 more years. She says she has damages of $30 million, which includes $40,000 in cash that she says Tiger's agents misappropriated from her.

Herman filed another lawsuit in Florida in March 2023 to declare the NDA she signed to be unenforcable. If it is enforcable in part or in whole, she would like the court to specify that she may disclose her own personal experiences and photographs and recordings of herself.

It’s essential for couples who are living together to have clear and open discussions about their financial and legal situation. To avoid potential issues, couples should discuss things such as joint bank accounts, property ownership, and estate planning.

One option for couples who are not married but want to formalize their relationship is to create a cohabitation agreement. This agreement outlines the financial and legal aspects of living together, including the division of assets and liabilities in the event of a breakup. This can help to avoid misunderstandings and disputes down the line and provide both partners with peace of mind.

The case of Tiger Woods and Erica Herman highlights the legal and financial implications of living together without being married. While it's perfectly legal to live together without getting married, it's essential for couples to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect themselves and their assets.

By having open and honest discussions about their financial situation and taking steps to protect their interests, couples can avoid potential financial issues should their relationship end.