You Can't Make This Stuff Up

LODD Firefighter’s Estate Leads to Bizzare Legal Challenge

I was totally speechless after reading this story about Fire Captain Thomas Araguz, who was killed 2 weeks ago on July 3 at a structure fire in Wharton, Texas. Thankfully – there is a video to explain the details so I don't have to – but you won't believe this story. Every time I think Hollywood goes overboard in making up a story for Law and Order or CSI, I see a story like this.

The law on the subject is actually pretty straightforward. Fraud is grounds for the annullment of a marriage. Violation of law or public policy is as well (although some may argue the law in Texas is discriminatory). In either event – whether on the grounds of a same sex marriage or fraud – an annulled marriage is void from the beginning…. as if it never happened. That means his ex-wife.. er… first mate – is out. 

 Wow. I am so glad I got the url www.youcantmakethisstuffup.net.

Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 50 years of fire service experience and 40 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. Besides his law degree, he has a MS in Forensic Psychology. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.

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2 Comments

  1. The issues are starting to emerge in this bizzare case – and probably the most important one will be whether or not Captain Agarus knew his wife was born a man and had a sex change operation.
    Aragus’s family adamantly denies that – and claims the revelation that occurred during a custody hearing from a previous marriage in April, 2010, was the reason Captain Aragus filed for divorce.
    Here’s a link to more on the story.
    http://www.khou.com/news/Wharton-Firefighters-First-Wife-Spekas-Out-99581174.html

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