The separation and divorce of Tareq and Michaele Salahi has become as public as Michaele’s reality show and the couple’s party-crashing antics at a White House state dinner. Tareq Salahi has filed for divorce, claiming his wife abandoned him for a rock guitarist.
Tareq stated in the divorce petition that Michaele has flaunted her relationship with Journey guitarist, Neal Schon. Court documents say the flamboyant couple signed a prenuptial agreement, although the terms the couple agreed upon are unknown.
The initial separation of the Salahi’s also gained media attention. Tareq called authorities to report his wife missing, believing her to be kidnapped. A call placed by Michaele to her husband from an Oregon telephone number confirmed that she was not the object of a kidnapping, but Tareq Salahi felt his wife’s call sounded strange and monitored.
Officials soon located Michaele on tour in Memphis with the rock band Journey, in the company of Schon. She spoke with sheriff’s department investigators, telling them that she had chosen to leave her husband and was with a “good friend.” She also told authorities that she was not planning to return to her former home.
This divorce scenario is one that many Texans can likely relate to. However, not everyone has a prenuptial agreement in place to protect their assets in the event of a divorce. For those who are considering divorce, speaking to an experienced family law attorney in Austin can be helpful in making sure you understand your rights and options.
Source: ABC News, “Tareq and Michaele Salahi: White House Party Crashers to Divorce,” T.J. Winick, Sept. 17, 2011