DeMelo v. Zompa

OPINION

A romantic relationship gone awry eventually carried these parties into the Family Court. The plaintiff, Cheryl A. DeMelo, brought an action for divorce against the defendant, Richard P. Zompa, alleging that a common-law marriage had existed between them since May 1989. At trial, there was a stipulation that the matter be bifurcated, the parties agreeing that they try the issue of the existence of a marriage first. In the event that a common-law marriage was found, the disposition of marital property and other obligations between them would then be litigated. However, the trial justice…