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Will postnuptial agreement affect Matt Lauer’s divorce?

On Behalf of | Dec 25, 2017 | Divorce

In an explosion of revelations about sexual harassment involving famous and powerful men, perhaps one of the most shocking for many in Michigan was the revelation that NBC’s “Today Show” host Matt Lauer had allegedly assaulted numerous women on the NBC staff. Overnight, Lauer was released from his multi-million dollar contract and fired from his job, even as more women came forward to accuse him of wrongdoing. Now, Lauer’s wife, Annette Roque, is reportedly seeking a divorce, and many wonder how the couple’s postnuptial agreement will affect the outcome.

Married nearly 20 years, Lauer and Roque have three children, ages 16, 13 and 11. Apparently, the couple had some difficulties in 2006 when Roque filed for divorce, claiming her husband behaved cruelly and inhumanely toward her. She withdrew the petition, and it is believed that the couple subsequently signed a postnuptial agreement.

Divorce experts predict Roque will challenge the terms of any postnuptial agreement because, until his termination, Lauer made considerably more money than he did when the agreement was executed. The two had also purchased numerous properties in the Hamptons and overseas. Additionally, the public humiliation Roque suffered because of Lauer’s sexual harassment scandal may give her leverage to seek a higher settlement.

While few people in Michigan will face the shame of a public scandal, there may be other factors that could complicate a divorce. Even with a pre or postnuptial agreement, changes in a spouse’s financial status may prompt the reassessment of that agreement. Having an attorney as an advocate will ensure one’s rights are protected during property division.

Source: Fox News, “Matt Lauer’s former-model wife meets with lawyers to get bigger settlement if they split, report says“, Sasha Savitsky, Dec. 21, 2017