A successful California engineer who abandoned her career after marrying a wealthy man has lost everything she believed she owned following their separation. Sharareh Moazed, 55, anticipated lifelong financial support from her ex-partner, Peyman Javaherbin, but her hopes were abruptly dashed when a judge discovered the couple never obtained a legal marriage license.
The Promise of a Future Together
According to court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, Javaherbin, a lab manager at Men's Health Foundation, first met Moazed in September 2011. On their initial date, he expressed his desire for a "homemaker wife" and soon proposed cohabitation. The filing reveals Javaherbin told Moazed "he was desperately in need of companionship and that he believed that they were meant to be together."
A Religious Union Without Legal Standing
Initially hesitant due to family concerns about living unmarried, Moazed agreed to Javaherbin's solution: a "religious marriage" and "solemn agreement" that would not be officially recorded. Moazed, now pursuing a law degree, accepted this arrangement under the impression they would legally marry once Javaherbin resolved prior divorce and child custody matters, as detailed in an April 2024 court filing.
Years of Waiting and a Devastating Divorce
After years of waiting for Javaherbin, 62, to formalize their relationship legally, Moazed filed for divorce in 2020. She subsequently launched a claim against him, alleging he broke his promise to provide lifelong financial care. Moazed believed she was entitled to financial support and a share of his multimillion-dollar Encino home, but quickly learned otherwise.
The Court's Ruling and Anti-Heart Balm Laws
Moazed took her case to a state appellate court, fighting for the assets she felt she deserved and accusing Javaherbin of reneging on his marriage license pledge. However, a judge ruled against her, invoking California's "anti-heart balm" statutes, which prohibit claims based on broken promises to marry.
Court documents indicate Javaherbin repeatedly assured Moazed they would eventually marry legally and even encouraged her to search for a larger home. In September 2013, he purchased a lavish Encino property for $1.35 million, telling Moazed it was for both of them, though the title remained solely in his name. According to Homes.com, the home is now valued at over $2 million, but due to the ruling, Moazed receives none of its appreciation.
Career Sacrifices and Financial Dependence
During their relationship, Javaherbin allegedly told Moazed "he wanted to care for her and take care of all of her financial needs." He added her name to his credit cards, issued some in her name, placed her on his car title, and claimed to make her the beneficiary of his insurance policies.
In response, Moazed scaled back her engineering career to part-time work to devote more time to Javaherbin. Court records state he "would prefer that she not work." After a job-related injury in 2015, Javaherbin urged her to quit entirely, which she did, focusing solely on caring for him and his daughter.
Rebuilding a Shattered Life
Now separated, Moazed is rebuilding her life, studying law and grappling with the aftermath. "It’s totally heartbreaking. The system is very disappointing," she told The Wall Street Journal. She added, "I was trapped, and hopefully, it’s not going to happen to other women."
Matthew Hess, Javaherbin's former attorney, informed the publication that his client lacked the opportunity to present evidence or share his perspective, as the case was swiftly dismissed. Hess declined to comment on specific details. The Daily Mail reached out to Moazed, Javaherbin, and their lawyers for further statements.
