When couples with ties to show business fail to sign prenuptial agreements, few are surprised if the couples end up facing tumultuous divorces. Pre and postnuptial agreements allow high net worth couples to settle matters more easily because many issues are already covered in the written agreement. For one power couple who seems to be heading toward a divorce, the terms of a postnuptial agreement may be only a starting point.
Scandal surrounded Matt Lauer’s recent firing as host of NBC’s “Today Show.” Accusations of sexual misconduct came to light in November, and to the shock of viewers in Florida and elsewhere, Lauer was unceremoniously terminated from the network. Lauer’s wife of 20 years, Annette Roque, was recently seen visiting the offices of a divorce attorney, and some have reported that she and Lauer have a long-standing postnuptial agreement.
The agreement was allegedly made in 2006 when Roque threatened Lauer with divorce, reportedly because of his cruel treatment of her. Some experts believe that, due to the public humiliation Lauer’s sexual harassment scandal has caused her, Roque may challenge the terms of the postnuptial agreement. Additionally, since Lauer’s income grew substantially in the time since the agreement was signed, she may ask for a larger distribution of marital assets, if the agreement does not provide this.
Lauer and his wife apparently own numerous luxury properties across the world, which may also require consideration in a divorce. Typically, high net worth couples face challenges when attempting to reach a fair settlement. With the help of an experienced attorney, Florida residents facing divorce can be assured of having an advocate to fight for their rights.
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