Williams v. Williams

Richard Williams (plaintiff) and Marcie Williams (defendant) married while Marcie believed in good faith she had been divorced from her prior husband, John Allmaras, based on his statements; in fact no divorce decree had ever been entered. Richard sued to annul the marriage. Marcie counterclaimed for one-half of their jointly held property and spousal support as a putative spouse. The trial court awarded her both. Richard appealed.

Whether a putative spouse is entitled to the property rights of a legal spouse upon dissolution of the relationship but is not eligible to receive spousal support.