Why did you get married?
Not strictly divorces, but my family law professor had some good stories: In one, the client calls:
“Hi, can I kick my pregnant girlfriend out of the house?”
“You really shouldn’t do that.”
“But can I? Legally speaking?”
“Since you never married, and the home is in your name, yes, you can legally exclude her, but you really shouldn’t.”
“Thanks — I need you to explain that to someone.”
Client opens the door, where police are getting ready with a ram, and hands the cell phone to a police officer.
Another story:
Unmarried mom comes in and asks: “So, what do I have to do to get his house?”
“Um, you really shouldn’t be getting married if you’re already planning to end the relationship.”
“Yeah, but what do I have to do?”
“Well, if you’re married and live in the home, it becomes a matrimonial home and you have an equal right to possession upon divorce.”
“Thanks.”
Client calls again: “He wants me to sign a prenup.”
“Well, this would limit what you would be able to get in a divorce, and it doesn’t really give you anything. Why are you getting married if both you and he know that you’re only in it to get his house?”
“OK, so I shouldn’t sign it?”
Client calls again: “Okay, we’re married now, but he won’t let me move in.” Family law is crazy.
| WPAttempts