Williams v. Williams
Arizona Supreme Court
29 Ariz. 538, 243 P. 402 (1926)
- Written by Liz Nakamura, JD
Facts
Mattie Williams (plaintiff) and John Williams (defendant) entered into a prenuptial agreement prior to their marriage that stated that, in the event of divorce, John would pay Mattie $500 dollars in full satisfaction and settlement of all claims Mattie might have against John or his property. Mattie subsequently filed for a fault-based divorce on the grounds of John’s willful desertion and cruelty. Mattie sought spousal support and an equitable distribution of community property. John challenged, arguing that, pursuant to the prenuptial agreement, Mattie was only entitled to receive $500 in full settlement of all claims, including claims for spousal support and equitable distribution. It was undisputed that the prenuptial agreement had been executed voluntarily and without fraud or undue influence. The trial court granted the divorce, holding that the prenuptial agreement was void as contrary to public policy, and awarded Mattie $100 in monthly spousal support. John appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Lockwood, J.)
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