After a separation lasting more than three years now sparked by former Gov. James McGreevey's admission on national television that he was a gay American, he and his estranged wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, arrived for divorce proceedings Tuesday morning. "It's a beautiful day," McGreevey said as he entered alone through the back entrance of the courthouse Tuesday morning.
| "Won't you be my neighbor?" |
Matos McGreevey had no comment when she arrived with her lawyer through the front courthouse entrance.
The first order of business are closed door proceedings concerning their 6-year-old daughter. McGreevey is seeking equal custody.
| "She needs me, 'cuz I understand her feminine side!" |
Matos McGreevey wants $600,000 as compensation for time she would have spent in the governor's office had her husband not resigned in disgrace. She claims she was not aware of his homosexuality. "I did what I did because I thought it was the right thing to do. When I took my vows, I said it for better or worse," Matos McGreevey said.
| McGreevey, 50, who is now living with a male partner and studying to be an Episcopal priest. |
| "And believe me, this is worse." |
The former governor claims she knew of his sexual orientation during their marriage, and even participated in three-way sexual encounters with his former driver, Teddy Pederson.
| "And don't forget the German shepherd! And the creamed corn!" |
Pederson's testimony could prove crucial, if it ever makes it to court. Matos McGreevey subpoenaed him and denies the allegations. Her lawyer is working to have the testimony thrown out.
"I object, yer honor! There wudn't no witnesses and the whole thing is tacky!"
"Sustained!" |
McGreevey, 50, who is now living with a male partner and studying to be an Episcopal priest, wants joint physical and legal custody of their daughter. He currently has the child one night a week and every other weekend. Child support payments in the McGreevey case will depend on custody arrangements, lawyers have said. |