June, 2008 | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz Archive

Defining Relationships That Can Result In Palimony Payments

By Sheryl Rentz on June 24, 2008

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently ruled on the question of palimony and when it is deemed ‘appropriate’ in the eyes of the law. The court ruled that two people don’t have to live together for one to receive palimony when the relationship ends. Specifically, the court determined that living together is not essential, rather, “it is the promise to support, expressed or implied, coupled with a marital-type relationship, that are the indispensable elements to support a valid claim for palimony. Read the rest »

Legality of Some Pennsylvania Marriages is Questioned

By Sheryl Rentz on June 10, 2008

A recent article by Dianna Marder of the Philadelphia Inquirer details the lack of validity of marriage ceremonies performed by individuals who were ordained online in Pennsylvania. According to the article, some of the marriages are being invalidated on the grounds that the wedding officiant is unqualified. Online ordinations fail to provide these “e-ministers” with “a regularly established church or congregation” as the law requires.

The ruling, which was originally made in the Pennsylvania divorce case of Dorie Heyer of York County, PA., could have sweeping effects on many marriages in the state of Pennsylvania. If a state appellate court were to uphold the ruling, couples across Pennsylvania could find their marriages invalidated. Benefits such as Social Security and disability distributions could be challenged. Insurance companies could demand repayment of benefits paid for the hospitalization of the insured’s spouse, and heirs could find themselves with no legal standing in probate court. Read the rest »

Wife of NBA Referee Charged in Betting Scandal Seeks Protective Order

By Sheryl Rentz on June 3, 2008

This is an example of a dramatic divorce proceeding that has escalated into a domestic violence case. Kimberly L. Donaghy, wife of the former NBA referee charged in a betting scandal Tim Donaghy, has filed for a restraining order against her husband, who she said verbally and physically abused their children. Donaghy revealed in court papers that her husband threatened to hit her and abused their four children. The Donaghy’s, who are going through a divorce, had been married since 1995.

“I am scared for myself and my children.” Kimberly Donaghy wrote in court papers. “He is going to snap.”

Tim Donaghy, 41 was the centerpiece of a betting scandal that rocked the NBA last year when it was revealed that he provided betting picks to gambling associates based on information he was privy to because of his position as an NBA referee. It was also revealed at that time that Donaghy was an avid gambler himself and authorities allege he bet on games that he officiated. Donaghy plead guilty to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced in April. Read the rest »