Pucheu v. Pucheu
Louisiana Court of Appeal
904 So. 2d 69 (2005)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
In 1982 Maxine Pucheu (defendant) was hospitalized for emotional and psychological problems, including a personality disorder. In 1988 Maxine married John Pucheu (plaintiff). During the marriage, Maxine behaved in a hostile manner toward John. She locked herself in her bedroom with her dog for extended periods and maintained the bedroom in such a way that John did not feel welcome, among other instances of unusual behavior. Maxine was hospitalized again in 1996 and 2002. The latter year also marked Maxine and John’s divorce. The trial court determined that Maxine was at fault for the dissolution of the marriage. The psychiatrist who testified on Maxine’s behalf did not state that Maxine’s underlying mental illness was the cause of all instances of offensive behavior. Nevertheless, the court also held that Maxine’s fault was excused by her mental illness. The court awarded Maxine $2,000 per month in alimony from John. John appealed. The Louisiana Court of Appeal granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Genovese, J.)
Dissent (Decuir, J.)
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