^^rs
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Confirming whether or not MM ever had an appointment with a divorce law firm would no doubt have been vigorously protested by AM's defense but it is NOT protected client-attorney information.
We saw this very recently during the preliminary hearing for Larry Millette, CA, accused of murdering his still-missing wife, Maya.
Maya vanished two days after consulting a divorce lawyer and receiving a client organizer to complete before her appointment.
Her family testified she asked to borrow money for the retainer (Larry controlled the finances). I don't recall if the divorce witness testified under a subpoena or not but the attorney was also identified during the search warrant of Maya's email.
We know that the nail tech was on the witness list but never called. IMO, the unnamed police source cited by PEOPLE was likely referring to divorce hearsay from this witness.
Also, I recall a sound bite by DH that the defense made inquiries with divorce law firms in two counties and was certain this was a malicious rumor by the prosecution. I think DH used the term "wedded bliss" to describe AM/MM after spending two years with them (i.e., strategizing PM's case).
I've previously confirmed the details that AM/MM purchased the Edisto Beach property within 3 years of building the prior family residence in Hampton-- so it was nowhere a new acquisition.
Reportedly, the Hampton residence was sold in 2020, and not replacing it was probably harder on MM than the others.
Listening to friends describe MM as her life revolving around her sons, on top of dealing both with AM's addiction, the boat crash, and displacement from her longtime home, I think it likely MM was also struggling emotionally with empty nest syndrome.
We know by MP's testimony that MM was ready to make an offer on a residence at Hilton Head (took MP and her parents to view the home) but AM stopped the wheels here citing the time was not right. I'm sure he sold MM the tale of the pending Beach lawsuit when this was only part of the Murdaugh house of financial cards about to crash. Instead, AM pacified MM with the Edisto beach house remodel.
Whether or not MM formally sought divorce counsel doesn't discount that at the time of her death, MM appeared to be distancing herself from AM. However, I find there are too many explanations for this to say 100% that divorce proceedings were underway.
I agree -- there was a lot going on with MM that died with her. MOO
While Murdaugh may be in a Colleton County courtroom this week, signs of his impact can be seen here in Hampton.
www.wtoc.com