Elkus v. Elkus
Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division
572 N.Y.S.2d 901 (1991)
Relevant factsFree
Frederica von Stade Elkus's (plaintiff's) husband (defendant) gave up his own career during their marriage to travel with her, coach and critique her performances, and raise their children while she rose from earning $2,250 in her first year of marriage to $621,878 by 1989 as a famous opera singer; the trial court held his contributions to her career didn't constitute marital property, and he appealed.
IssueFree
Whether, in a divorce action, one party's celebrity status may be considered marital property subject to equitable distribution.