samanthajane13
02-25-2009, 04:37 PM
The Associated Press
A court has rejected a New York surgeon's claim that he should get $1.5 million in his divorce settlement because he donated a kidney to his wife.
Dr. Richard Batista held a news conference last month, claiming he was entitled to the kidney compensation because Dawnell Batista was denying him visits with their three children.
In a 10-page ruling, matrimonial referee Jeffrey Grob (Grahb) said Batista's claim was without merit. The court ruled the kidney, donated in 2001 during happier times in the marriage, was a gift.
Grob said a wide range of items are considered marital property - but donated organs would not be among them.
The doctor's attorney, Dominic Barbara, did not immediately return a call for comment.
http://www.buffalonews.com/260/story/590080.html
A court has rejected a New York surgeon's claim that he should get $1.5 million in his divorce settlement because he donated a kidney to his wife.
Dr. Richard Batista held a news conference last month, claiming he was entitled to the kidney compensation because Dawnell Batista was denying him visits with their three children.
In a 10-page ruling, matrimonial referee Jeffrey Grob (Grahb) said Batista's claim was without merit. The court ruled the kidney, donated in 2001 during happier times in the marriage, was a gift.
Grob said a wide range of items are considered marital property - but donated organs would not be among them.
The doctor's attorney, Dominic Barbara, did not immediately return a call for comment.
http://www.buffalonews.com/260/story/590080.html