George, a very talented 18 year old singer and songwriter, dreamed of becoming a star in a common law jurisdiction of Pacifica.

George, a very talented 18 year old singer and songwriter, dreamed of becoming a star in a common law jurisdiction of Pacifica. He had auditioned for all of the big reality talent shows without success. However, Maggie, a talent agent, recognized George had something special. She believed that, under her guidance and with her contacts, George could be the next superstar. When she approached George with the suggestion she act as his agent, George was thrilled. He told Maggie that he had almost given up hope, having had a very tough time since his mother’s death 12 months earlier. He told her he had been living on the streets since his stepfather kicked him out of home. Maggie knew she must take George under her wing. He needed long term help, guidance and support. Maggie told George he would be welcome to come and live in a granny flat in her garden, a proposal to which George quickly agreed. Once he had moved in, Maggie helped George to map our the future direction of his career. Maggie treated George well, cooking and cleaning for him and doing his washing. A couple of weeks later, Maggie “signed George’s up” to a management contract. Pursuant to the contract, Maggie agreed to act as George’s agent, promoter and manager for the next 1 5 years. George agreed to give Maggie exclusive management and agency rights and to pay her 50% commission on all monies he received from song and record sales and performance. 

Under Maggie’s expert guidance, George’s singing career took off. His song writing flourished and he was soon making a lot of money. With one year he became a bigger star making his dreamed a reality. However, six years later, George feels constrained by Maggie’s mothering and resents handing over such a high percentage of his earnings to her.  George seeks your advice.