Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Nov 2, 2021
Christina M. Aldrich vs. Jonathan E. Aldrich
Jonathan Aldrich appealed from a judgment dissolving his marriage to Christina Aldrich, arguing the trial court lacked authority because no marriage license was ever obtained, rendering the marriage invalid. The couple had a formal ceremony, cohabited for 27 years, raised three children, and held themselves out as married. The appellate court affirmed the dissolution, holding that Jonathan was equitably estopped from denying the marriage's validity due to his conduct and Christina's good-faith reliance.