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Home » Blog » Maryland Divorce May Affect Public Opinion in Canada

August 25, 2017Divorce, Family Law, In the News

Maryland Divorce May Affect Public Opinion in Canada

The Canadian flag flies before the Old City Hall in Toronto, Canada

Julie Payette is the governor general designate in Canada. She recently dropped her opposition to having her divorce records viewed by media outlets in the country. The records were sealed in a Maryland court and highly sought after once the Prime Minister of the country named her as Canada’s next governor general.

Payette, according to media reports, raced to have her divorce records sealed once it was known that a media outlet uncovered a past assault charge. Although the charge was expunged, the case was named in her official divorce proceedings, making them part of that record.

Nothing is known of the 2011 assault charge, except that Payette was arrested. Payette had the charged expunged within weeks. Certain media outlets, this summer, turned to the Maryland family court in which Payette’s divorce was granted. Reporters were looking for any information regarding the assault charge. The divorce records were sealed on what was called an emergency basis.

An affidavit stated that Payette wanted the divorce records sealed to protect herself and her son. Media outlets assured that they were not attempting to harm the child. A judge recently ruled that Payette’s divorce proceedings are open for public inspection and ordered them unsealed. The judge did not open certain sections of documents that contained information regarding the child.

The documents were ordered open pending appeal, but Payette has dropped that appeal. Both Payette and her husband are Canadian citizens who purchased a home in Maryland. It was not immediately clear why the divorce was sought and granted in the United States.

If you need assistance with a divorce in Columbia or Howard County, reach out to Attorney Fred Coover. With over three decades of experience in family law, Attorney Coover has the knowledge needed to help ensure your divorce is equitable.

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