Honetschlager

INTRODUCTION

We have heard it said on more than one occasion: business and friendship don’t mix. A fortiori, business and love are problematic. This case is a paradigm of that proposition. The parties in this appeal were formerly involved in a long-term relationship. Honetschlager started a company early in the couple’s relationship which later became quite successful. Kozeychuk, his ex-girlfriend, says he told her from the beginning she would own a one-third share of the business if she put in time and effort contributing various services to the company. She never insisted he put this in writing and never invoiced him for the services she performed. Apparently, she did without such formalities because they were in a relationship and she trusted him. This turned out to be a costly abjuration. Because once the couple parted ways, Honetschlager denied she had any interest in the company and refused to pay her anything for her contributions. The dispute ended up in Orange County Superior Court and went to a jury trial, where a verdict was handed down in favor of Honetschlager. Kozeychuk now appeals, and we conclude we must affirm.

FACTS

Appellant Uliana Kozeychuk and respondent…