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.