Inherit — Have Debts Paid — Leave Spouse

An interesting scheme is revealed in a recent article by Jan L. Warner and Jan Collins entitled Duped Into Asset Transfer 60 Days Before Separation (also available as Seek return of your inheritance in court, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, May 28, 2006, at C5).

Husband and Wife were married for over 30 years.  Wife inherited significant assets from her parents.  Husband convinced her to sell off the assets and use the money to pay off the couple’s mortgage, car loans, and other debts.

About 60 days after the couple became debt-free, Husband decided to move in with his secretary with whom he had been having an affair and supporting for many years.

Wife, obviously mad, wrote to these advice columnists hoping for a way to recoup some of her funds.  Depending on state law and the views of the fact finder, an equitable remedy may or may not be available.