Relationships can be difficult to define and complicated to explain to others. One’s marital status is usually clearer cut. For one California couple, each party has a different opinion over whether or not they are able to divorce, since they cannot agree on whether they are indeed married.
Singer-songwriter Margo Rey has recently filed for divorce from stand-up comedian Ron White, following a brief separation. There are no children as a result of this marriage; however, Rey is reported as having requested spousal support. White has allegedly responded to this by stating that Rey and he are not legally married. He claims that the couple participated in a marriage ceremony in 2013 but that there was no marriage licence.
Rey also contends that the couple were in a common-law marriage while living in Texas, effective from 2008. TMZ has reported that White has denied living with Rey as husband and wife, contradicting observers who say that they represented themselves in that manner to other people. The value of White’s fortune has been estimated to be in the region of $30 million.
Common-law marriage is not recognized in California; however, the more pressing point is determining whether the marriage ceremony conducted in 2013 was legally binding. It is important for the facts of the matter to be clarified before any decisions on property division or spousal support can be made. Once the legalities have been established, it will be possible for both parties to move forward in the divorce in a calm and positive manner.
Source: earnthenecklace.com, “Who Is Ron White? Wife, Divorce, Quotes, Tour, & Facts to Know“, Ashmeet Bagga, July 19, 2017
