HW 535294 MEMORANDUM FOR: Michael M. CHOADEN SUBJECT : Foreign Divorce Decree 1, The purpose of this memorandum is to bring certain information to your attention which relates to the fact that you and your current spouse were parties to the dissolution in Mexico of former marriages. We under- stand that some of the information provided below and in the attachment may have already been brought to your attention. Nonetheless, we are taking this opportunity to insure that no item of information was overlooked in earlier discussions with you on this. 2. Recently, the Office of General Counsel completed a study of the validity of a Mexican divorce decrée and potential problems arising from such a divorce for JKLANCE employees concerned and JKLANCE, A summary of OGC's study is attached. 3. You will note from the attachment that the employee whose cur- rent marriage follows a Mexican divorce may be confronted with serious problems affecting eligibility for payment of various government benefits such as reimbursement of hospitalization expenses, survivorship benefits and certain types of overseas allowances. My purpose in writing to you, therefore, is to be sure you are made aware of and understand the serious- ness of the problems which would arise in the event of a challenge to the validity of the Mexican divorce and, consequently, to the validity of the current marriage. This challenge could arise at any time and from a number of sources. 4, JKLANCE has another interest stemming from Mexican divorces and this is one of security, depending upon the employee's specific employ- ment. In the event such a divorce is challenged, subsequent litigation and attendant publicity become quite probable. It is, of course, in JKLANCE's best interest that this sort of activity be avoided where possible. 5. Recognizing that there are various types of Mexican divorce, and also that the various states in the United States have decided cases in different ways depending on the type of Mexican divorce involved and its own case law, you may wish to discuss your personal situation with your attorney or a rep- resentative of JKLANCE's Office of General Counsel. In the meantime, how- ever, JKLANCE's position with respect to your situation is that it assumes ——— fish Docld: 3273649277 Page 2?
HW 535294 the validity of your current marriage, unless the earlier Mexican divorce action and your current marriage are challenged. Should that challenge ever occur, it may be necessary for JKLANCE to determine that your eligibility for benefits based on your current marriage must be suspended until such time as the challenge is litigated or otherwise resolved. Special note should be taken of the fact that such a challenge might arise after your death, possibly resulting in the distribution of insurance proceeds and other death benefits to other than your immediate family as constituted at your death and contrary to your own intentions and wishes. 6. Please advise.me of your plans and any actions taken in connec - tion with the above. If you have any questions on the substance of this memorandum or its purpose, please do not hesitate to let me know, Sree y VICTOR W. TRANSON Att Distribution: Orig - Addressee through DDP and Chief, WH Division “~~ - Director of Security 1 - General Counsel Docld: 327364927 Page 3