Biliouris v. Biliouris
Court of Appeals of Massachusetts
852 N.E.2d 687 (2006)
Timothy Biliouris (plaintiff) sought a divorce from Mary Biliouris (defendant) and relied on their premarital antenuptial agreement, which kept each spouse's individual property separate and waived alimony. Mary claimed she signed under duress after Timothy gave her an ultimatum, though she reviewed the agreement, consulted an attorney who advised against signing, and still signed before a notary, acknowledging it as her free act. Timothy's assets were about $1,000,000 to Mary's roughly $100,000. The trial court found the agreement valid and enforceable, divided property under its terms, and awarded Mary an equity interest in a home purchased during the marriage. Mary appealed.
Whether an antenuptial agreement is valid and enforceable where it is fair and reasonable and each spouse had a sufficient opportunity to review it before signing.