Ex-governor settles child custody case

ELIZABETH, New Jersey – We waited and waited and then waited some more. Finally, a little after 8 p.m. Thursday night outside the Union County courthouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and his estranged wife Dina Matos McGreevey separately exited the courthouse. Their attorneys later said a settlement had been reached concerning the custody and parenting of the couple's 6-year-old daughter, Jacqueline.

While the agreement is sealed, I watched the demeanor of each participant and my gut tells me the former governor was clearly victorious. As he walked to his car, McGreevey told reporters he was so happy. He seemed to be overcome with joy. Stephen Haller, who represents McGreevey, succinctly added that his client was “absolutely delighted.”

Matos McGreevey on the other hand was silent as she walked past the press; she had a smile on her face, but seemed nervous. Her attorney, John Post, was measured, describing Matos McGreevey as “satisfied.”

Jim McGreevey has been seeking equal parenting time with his daughter for some time now. Whether he got that 50/50 split he wanted is anybody’s guess, but I think it’s darn close to what he was looking for.

Now it is back to square one for the remaining issues which include financials, along with a fraud and libel claim by Matos McGreevey. She asserts in legal documents that the former governor defrauded her into marriage because he knew he was gay but married her anyway. She also alleges her reputation as a hospital fundraiser has been damaged because McGreevey has referred to her in the press as homophobic.

It all gets underway again on Monday. Stay tuned to In Session for all the latest.

–Jean Casarez, In Session correspondent