A dispute has emerged in a divorce case involving college football season tickets, highlighting the complexities of asset division. A couple, who are season ticket holders at their alma mater, face contention over whether the tickets should be considered marital assets.
The couple, with roots in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) football culture, regularly travels to attend games despite residing in Massachusetts. Their situation escalated due to the contributions made to the school’s foundation, which granted them early access to premium seating. However, the donations are registered under the name of the husband, raising questions about the ownership and rights to the tickets in the context of divorce.
Legal Perspectives
The husband asserts that the tickets are not an asset that should be shared during the divorce process, a claim that the wife disputes. She believes that their contributions and the associated early access rights constitute a valuable asset that should be equally divided. The wife’s attorney has expressed caution about pursuing this claim, suggesting that it may not lead to a favorable outcome.
Legal experts highlight the significance of understanding the policies in place regarding ticket ownership and access rights. A relevant case from Arkansas, known as the Waldrip case, serves as a potential reference for navigating this issue. It may provide insight into how similar situations have been addressed in the past.
Investigating the Foundation’s Policies
To build a stronger case, the wife is advised to gather more information from the school’s foundation regarding the ticketing system. She should inquire about the process for granting early access, including whether it operates on a point system similar to that described in the Waldrip case. Key questions to consider include:
– Does a specific level of annual donation guarantee priority seating?
– Has the couple consistently met the required donation levels?
– What are the policies regarding ticket rights in the event of a divorce?
Obtaining written documentation of any policies will be crucial in solidifying the argument that these rights should be recognized as assets.
If the foundation lacks clear written guidelines, it may be necessary to conduct a deposition of the individual responsible for managing these benefits. This step could provide further clarity on the nature of the couple’s rights to the tickets.
Proposing an Amicable Resolution
Once sufficient information is gathered, the wife can present her findings to her lawyer with the goal of convincing the court that the rights to the tickets have significant value. A potential resolution could involve the couple alternating the use of the tickets after the divorce, allowing each party to choose priority seating in alternate years.
This arrangement may also necessitate shared responsibility for ongoing donations and ticket costs, ensuring that both parties remain invested in maintaining their connection to their alma mater.
As the couple navigates this complex situation, it highlights the broader implications of how assets are defined and divided in divorce proceedings, particularly when they intersect with personal passions and cultural affiliations.
For further inquiries or legal advice, interested individuals can reach out to Whickey at Brick Jones via email at [email protected].
