While perusing recent legal headlines, my colleague and I ran across a headline mentioning poker pro Phil Ivey and his current divorce drama. Ivey and his now ex-wife Luciaetta were divorced in 2009, but late developments have revealed that Ivey may, or may not, have made a generous donation to the campaign of a certain Family Court judge while he was presiding over their divorce proceedings. As a result of this discovery and Luciaetta’s allegations that there was not full financial disclosure, Luciaetta is seeking to have the settlement agreement set aside and to be awarded her fair share of the community property acquired during the marriage.

It’s likely that the family court judge will be sanctioned for his failure to disclose the donation to both parties and failure to recuse himself. In South Carolina, full financial disclosure is required for approval of any settlement agreement and parties are required to complete the state-mandated financial declaration form. Additionally, parties are required to attend mediation prior to any litigation and must attempt to come to a fair and equitable resolution as to the division of marital property.

Contact The Floyd Law Firm PC if you are considering divorce and live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Written by: Collin R. Jewell and Brittney J. Farish