The Florida Divorce Surrounding the Haleigh Cummings Case
Written By: Lenorae C. Atter
Family Law Attorney, Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A.
In Putnam County, Florida Haleigh Cummings went to bed on February 10, 2009 and has not been seen since. The last person to see Haleigh is Misty Croslin Cummings, who was babysitting the night of the disappearance and soon thereafter married Haleigh's father. Now, the couple is divorcing and blaming the stress of Haleigh's disappearance as the reason. However, most people remain skeptical at this idea.
In Florida, there is a Husband-Wife privilege that gives spouses the ability to claim the privilege in court when their confidential conversations are questioned. This is a privilege because there is a strong public policy that spouses should be able to speak openly and honestly with one another. There was speculation that this privilege led to the marriage of Misty and Ronald Cummings after Haleigh's disappearance. Now that they are divorcing many are wondering if it means Ronald knows more about Misty Cummings's involvement in the disappearance of her stepdaughter. However, the privilege attaches even after the marriage has ended.
More on this issue tomorrow regarding the Husband-Wife privilege in cases involving crimes against children of either spouse.
Michael A. Atter
Former Prosecutor
Keith L. Maynard
Former Assistant Public Defender
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