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Congressman Cohen Sponsors Jane's Law

May 12, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) is the new sponsor of Jane’s Law, a measure that was crafted to close a legal loophole that enables people to avoid paying court-ordered property distributions by crossing state lines. The measure was named after Jane Maharam, who has been fighting since 1983 to force her ex-husband to return her assets and obey court orders.

“Far too many people across the country find themselves in the same shoes Jane Maharam found herself in more than 25 years ago,” said Congressman Cohen. “Her ex-husband escaped his legal responsibilities because he fled the state and the courts were unable to enforce the law due to a loophole. It is time we close that loophole and ensure Jane and others like her get the justice they deserve.”

“I am so happy that Congressman Steve Cohen leads the way now,” said Maharam. “Congressman Cohen has an outstanding reputation for being a humanitarian, a strong legislator and getting things done. From this day forward we’re pushing the pace.”

In 1983, Jane Maharam’s husband of 31 years, textile magnate Robert Maharam, ransacked their home and took with him the marital assets of their marriage, including furnishings. After a 15-year court battle, the court determined that Robert owed Jane millions of dollars. But instead of returning the marital estate, Robert fled across state lines and has yet to return Jane’s assets. As long as Robert does not return to the state of New York, where the couple divorced, Jane cannot get the terms of the settlement enforced because the state warrant for his arrest does not work over state lines. It needs federal enforcement.

Former Congressman Robert Wexler introduced Jane’s Law to close the loophole that enables individuals to avoid paying court-ordered property distributions. Congressman Cohen became the primary sponsor of Jane’s Law when Congressman Wexler retired earlier this year. There are a large number of Congressional co-sponsors in support of “Jane’s Law.” The bill would make the act of fleeing over state lines to avoid paying court-ordered divorce settlements of property and/or assets over $5,000 a federal crime and require that the spouse who fled pay the amount equal to the total unpaid property distribution.