In a development that has garnered public attention, George Scott Romney, the elder brother of politician Mitt Romney, filed for divorce from his wife, Carrie Elizabeth Romney, mere months before her untimely death in a fall from a California parking structure. The 81-year-old, who once aspired to public office, cited irreconcilable differences in the June court filings, which have been made publicly available by media outlets.
The divorce papers reveal George Scott Romney's intent to "terminate the court's ability to award support" to either party, an indication of a desire to prevent court intervention in the financial aspects of their separation. Subsequent documents pointed to an agreement between the parties to "mediate property and support," suggesting an inclination towards private negotiation over court-ordered settlements.
Carrie Romney, 64, responded to the divorce proceedings with legal counteractions, requesting alimony and legal expenses coverage. She also sought to revert to her previous surname, Dimas. The case was still active when Carrie Romney's body was found at the base of a parking garage in Valencia, approximately 35 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, on a Friday night. The discovery sent ripples of shock through the community where the couple resided.
Law enforcement officials, who do not suspect foul play, are investigating whether the incident was a suicide or an accident. The Los Angeles County medical examiner has deferred the cause of death, pending further analysis. The couple's marriage, which began in 2012, was headed for conclusion when they separated in May, with the divorce petition following in June.
Despite claims of no shared property, records and evidence suggest the couple cohabited in a Valencia condominium valued at $725,000, which has become a key point in understanding their pre-separation living arrangements. Neighbors, who spoke to reporters, remembered Carrie as a pleasant community member. George Scott Romney was seen in the neighborhood shortly after the incident, amidst a backdrop of unusually dreary Southern California weather.
Carrie Romney's financial situation during the divorce remains uncertain, though the legal filings hint at disputes over money and support. Her financial history includes a 2001 Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing with a previous husband. The divorce from George Scott Romney would have been her third.
