Zimmerman's Wife Shellie Files for Divorce: Reports
Acquitted killer George Zimmerman may soon see more time in court, as his wife Shellie Zimmerman filed for divorce on Thursday.
Prior to filing the divorce papers, Shellie had told ABC News that the ordeal of the trial had "put a strain on their marriage." Her divorce filing comes a short two months after her husband's acquittal.
What remains for Shellie Zimmerman if she separates from her notorious husband?
Probation for Perjury
Aside from the emotional pressures of her husband's trial, Shellie Zimmerman, 26, also faced criminal consequences herself. During a bail hearing for her husband last year, Shellie lied about the couple's finances and was later arrested for perjury.
After pleading guilty to perjury last month, Shellie was sentenced to "100 hours of community service and one year of probation," reports ABC News.
Unlike at George's trial, Shellie's spouse was not present in court during her perjury case. She told a reporter she felt "very much alone" without her husband's support.
Divorce Process
After filing for divorce in Florida family court, Shellie must make sure that her husband is properly served with the divorce petition before her case can proceed.
This could potentially be a problem, as George Zimmerman has not publicly disclosed his whereabouts since the end of his high-profile trial. The latest Zimmerman sighting occurred Tuesday, when an officer pulled him over for speeding in Lake Mary, Florida, USA Today reports.
Assuming Shellie can manage to serve George with divorce papers, in person or by mail, the couple may still have to attend months of mediation if they want to reach a settlement.
If Shellie and George cannot reach a resolution on their own, then George Zimmerman may have to try his luck at trial again.
Since Florida is a separate property state, dividing the couple's property is not as simple as splitting their assets down the middle. A judge may need to determine a division of property that is fair, based on which spouse contributed more in terms of wages.
Shellie Zimmerman has 120 days to serve George with divorce papers, or else a court may dismiss her case. If George is properly served, then he will then have 20 days to file a response with the court, according to Florida law.
Related Resources:
- George Zimmerman Divorce: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know (Heavy.com)
- Zimmerman Not Guilty; Legal Battles Continue (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Zimmerman's Lawyers Want State to Pay Expenses (FindLaw's Blotter)
- 10 Things We Learned From the Trayvon Martin Case (FindLaw Insider)
