Posted on 02/08/2006 5:09:53 PM PST by NormsRevenge
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A judge who had to decide if it was love or Alzheimer's disease ruled in favor of romance. Davidson County Circuit Judge Randy Kennedy granted permission Tuesday for an 83-year-old man who lost control of his financial affairs because he has a mild form of senile dementia to marry his 48-year-old fiancee.
Relatives of the man, Vic Varallo, have opposed the marriage saying his disease prevents him from understanding what he is doing. They claim his fiancee, Sheila White, has kept Varallo away from family and friends.
Others see the ruling as upholding the rights of the elderly.
"Today's victory for Mr. Varallo restored dignity to him as a person and as a man," said Nashville attorney Paul Housch, who represented White. The decision affirms that people his age "can carry on a fulfilling life, a happy life and be active and live in this world happy."
Varallo is a former Nashville councilman and lifelong bachelor. His name is well-known in the city because his family once ran a popular chili restaurant.
Another judge appointed a conservator for Varallo's financial affairs three years ago. That judge's order prohibited Varallo from entering into contracts, including the contract of marriage.
A doctor's deposition in the latest case said Varallo has what appeared to be the early stages of Alzheimer's disease but understands the concept of marriage.
Lawyers for Varallo also argued that White was willing to accept a prenuptial agreement and that Varallo still would have a conservator watching out for his finances.
"He knows what he wants," said Varallo's attorney, E. Covington Johnston. "This lady has been very good for him and taken care of him and he's very happy."
The couple met in 1999. No wedding date has been announced.
___
Information from: The Tennessean, http://www.tennessean.com
he wants to get married? what is he , out of his mind? oh yeah he is , ok.
oooops! gotta go, the wife needs to give me my nightly rundown of failings, missteps and items in need of improvement.....
If this is true it's a huge,huge red flag that this gal is marrying him for an inheritance
There's not a state in the union that doesn't,by law,guarantee that an individual has an absolute right to inherit a portion of the estate of his/her lawfully wedded spouse.
Hell, they can be Senators, why not husbands?
There has got to be a country music song title in that somewhere.
Giving new meaning to "I'm crazy about you, baby". Although, personally, I find it better not to focus my insanity on one particular person.
My thoughts exactly, I'm 50 and I wouldn't marry a man that old with dementia. It's got to be the money. Wanna bet he dies from choking on his food while eating or kind of *accident* like that shortly after the wedding?
Doesn't sound like she's in it for the money.
First of all,we don't what the prenup said....and I've read that these things are often ruled to be invalid by judges.
once you're married you automatically become a drooling
,forgetful,thoughtless idiot any way.just ask the wife.
LOL.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.