What the McGreevey Divorce Can Teach You About Marriage Fraud

In August 2004, McGreevey, 50, stepped down from his position as governor of the state of New Jersey after revealing that he was a "gay American" and had engaged in an extra-marital affair with another man. When he made the announcement, his wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, was at his side. Now the two are getting divorced , and are embroiled in a bitter court battle concerning alimony.

McGreevey, who is now studying to become an Episcopal minister, claims he is too poor to provide his estranged wife with support payments. On May 14, in a New Jersey court room, he testified that he has limited income, few assets, and significant debts. He also said he is basically unemployable because of the scandal.

"Because of this case, I have been financially crippled," McGreevey said. He is said to owe a prior divorce lawyer at least $116,000, and has not paid any child support this year. He also said that he relies on his boyfriend Mark O'Donnell to pay legal bills and lifestyle expenses; he lives in a house owned by O'Donnell.

Despite her ex-husband's financial situation, Matos McGreevey wants alimony. But, McGreevey's lawyer Stephen Haller says the couple's four year marriage does not qualify for her for alimony. Matos McGreevey says she was duped into marriage by a gay man who needed a wife to advance his political career. She is asking the judge to take into account McGreevey's marital fraud when making a ruling.

Click back over to MainStreet to continue reading about McGreevey's financial problems .