When Toni Layton’s same-sex marriage to ex tennis champion Martina Navratilova came to an abrupt end in 2009, Layton 
reached out to Linda Hogan’s high-power divorce lawyer, Ray Rafool, who is accustomed to sensational and prominent cases like this one. Layton and Navratilova began their romance and married in 2000 after a trip to New Hampshire. The two were married at Mount Washington State Park with an informal ceremony after which they settled in Florida, a state where gay marriage is not yet legally recognized.
In her domestic partnership lawsuit against Navratilova, Layton is asking for a massive half a million dollars as payment for the emotional, physical and mental distress she underwent after the couple’s heated altercation in January of 2008 during which Navratilova abruptly told Layton the relationship had come to an end. Amidst the intense confrontation, Navratilova had even gone as far as having Layton confronted by two lawyers who shoved a $10,000 settlement in her face and urged her to sign it. After the confrontation Layton discovered the locks had been changed on the couple’s $2 million dollar Florida property. She now found herself out on the street with nothing to show for an 8-year relationship with Navratilova. All of her belongings had been placed in storage while Navratilova put their home up for sale, and Layton was now expected to start from scratch.
Navratilova’s legal counsel is denying the existence of any support for Layton’s claims against her ex-lover and partner by denying the existence of any legal partnership between the two. Rafool, determined to get creative in order to circumvent Florida’s antiquated laws regarding same-sex unions and get Layton the settlement she deserves, explained that the domestic partnership did indeed exist, a fact that would be proven by Navratilova’s own declaration of Layton’s obligations and actions during their relationship. Rafool further explained how Layton’s unconditional support of Navratilova’s ambitions had been a significant factor in Layton having forgone her own career and professional aspirations. This fact now entitles Layton to a significant financial settlement to help her get back on her feet and on track with her own dreams. A compassionate and justice-minded Rafool has come up with the unique argument that the 8-year union between Navratilova and Layton can and should be compared to a partnership similar to that which is undertaken in any business venture.
Equal Rights President Terry Ahern stated in favor of Layton that Navratilova is simply sheltering herself behind Florida law which does not legally recognize her marriage to Layton, and taking advantage of that legal loop hole to evade any considerable financial obligation to a now abandoned Layton. Ahern also noted this separation as Navratilova’s third divorce adding that the damage inflicted upon Layton cannot go unpunished.
Tags: Martina Navratilova, Ray Rafool, Toni Layton
