Tiger's Tale: Reviewing Tiger Woods' Separation Pursuant to North Carolina Family Law Part 1: Overview of Woods' Family Law Issues and North Carolina Family Law

Jan 12, 2010 | Filed under: Family Law, Separation and Divorce

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren were married on October 5, 2004, and they allegedly separated on December 7, 2009. They have two children, and both children are minors. Tiger and Elin also have family pets.

Tiger’s separation from Elin would raise a number of legal issues if they lived in North Carolina, including interpretation and enforcement of a prenuptial agreement (also known as a premarital agreement), absolute divorce, equitable distribution, postseparation support, alimony, temporary and permanent child support and child custody, and attorney’s fees. Elin may have alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims against one, some, or all of Tiger’s alleged mistresses.

Let’s assume that the Wake County Family Court would have jurisdiction over the Woods/Nordegren separation and divorce. Let’s also assume that Tiger and Elin remain separate and apart and require the courts to resolve the issues arising from their marriage, separation, and future absolute divorce.

The parties would have to comply with the Wake County Family Court Local Rules. This means that each party must produce an initial disclosure of documents and information relating to equitable distribution, child support, postseparation support, and alimony. Each party must also file a Financial Affidavit, which would show each party’s monthly expenses. I can only imagine how much Elin and Tiger spend each month…much more than the rest of us for sure!

In Part 2 of Tiger’s Tale, some of the issues relative to interpretation and enforcement of the parties’ premarital agreement or prenuptial agreement will be discussed.

by Steve Mansbery