James Bond Actor Seeking Alimony from Tennis Star

About a year ago, I wrote here about the split of former James Bond actor George Lazenby and his wife, tennis star Pam Shriver. The divorce case not been resolved yet and hit the headlines again this week.

Married in 2002, Shriver and Lazenby apparently signed a prenuptial agreement. Lazenby is now challenging the prenup and asking the judge to award him over $16,000 a month in spousal support (a.k.a., alimony).

The legal grounds for challenging a prenuptial agreement are limited under California law. Apparently, Lazenby, who is almost 70, is arguing that the agreement (and presumably a waiver of spousal support by him in that agreement) is unconscionable due to the disparity between the assets of the parties.

He claims that his wife, a former tennis pro and current commentator, is “30 times a millionaire” and he doesn’t want to explain to their young children why their mother has such a larger house than their father. Shriver is apparently the substantial earner in the relationship.

In general, the enforceability of a prenuptial agreement can be challenged on grounds such as duress in the signing, insufficient opportunity to review it before signing, failure by one party to fully disclose assets, fraud or unconscionability. The parties’ financial situations can be taken into account in considering whether or not a waiver of alimony is reasonable. Also taken into account may be the length of the marriage.

The couple has been separated for about a year after being married for six years and has three little children. Both are seeking sole custody of the kids, throwing volatile allegations around in the media. Shriver even filed for a restraining order last year against Lazenby, claiming he threatened to kill her if she tried to gain full custody of the children.

Also See:

James Bond Actor and Tennis Star Divorcing