Patel v. Patel

By Judge Randall G. Johnson

In this divorce action, the court must decide whether it has jurisdiction to make an award of equitable distribution. Plaintiff, Valerie A. Patel, claims that jurisdiction exists. Defendant, Noel P. Patel, claims that it does not.

Ms. Patel’s bill of complaint was filed on January 24,1996. In December 1997, the parties submitted an agreed-upon sketch of a decree of divorce. The sketch provided that jurisdiction was retained in order for the court to make a determination of equitable distribution. By letter dated December 10,1997, the court returned the sketch and…