Spousal Support At Heart Of 12-Year Divorce Case

Wife Seeks Support From Husband After Messy Split More Than A Decade Prior

In an extremely lengthy family law case, an Orange County ex-couple has been battling over the issue of spousal support for twelve years. The two have gone through multiple lawyers over the course of the ordeal, as well as spending exorbitant amounts of money.

According to court documents, the husband and wife met in 1988, when they were aged 54 and 50, respectively. The man, a wealthy investor and property owner, believed he had found true love that would last for the rest of his life. The two spent the next decade together, until a tragic automobile accident in 1997 that left the wife physically and emotionally traumatized.

According to his attorneys, the husband grew apart from his wife, saying the accident changed her personality; she became mercurial and moody where before she had been pleasant and easygoing. Tired of her constant emotional outbursts, the husband claims, he filed for divorce two years later due to irreconcilable differences.

Prenuptial Agreement Allows Husband To Avoid Spousal Support

The difference of agreement soon arose over the terms of the prenuptial agreement the ex-couple had signed in 1988. As per the terms of the document, the husband paid his wife a sum of $100,000 in order to waive her right to receive support payments. The woman, however, claimed that her medical condition sustained in the car accident while they were still married prevented her from working, making her unable to support herself.

The court case centers on the validity of this prenuptial agreement, with a 2004 Appeals Court Ruling siding with the wife. Calling the agreement "unenforceable", the judge ruled that a prenuptial agreement to waive spousal support may be voided if it is considered morally unconscionable. Attorney's representing the husband have in turn challenged this ruling, arguing that the man has paid enough support to his ex-wife already. With no end in sight, the couple may continue the court battle for many years to come.

Family Law Can Be A Delicate Business

If you are considering a divorce from your spouse, or are currently undergoing any sort of family trauma, it is important to have a compassionate and dedicated attorney on your side. Given the incredible emotional turmoil that often results from separation, and the high stakes involved in custody of children and division of property, it is essential that you retain the services of a trained legal professional as soon as possible! At the Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman, our legal team is here to help you resolve your family law case as painlessly as possible. Contact our firm right away to learn more about the options available to you!