Marriott Points and Divorce
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,967
Now I wonder if the spouse wants the points because of the value or knows how much it would hurt to those of us who read Flyertalk all the time to give up those hard-earned points
What happens if earning excessive points caused the divorce?
What happens if earning excessive points caused the divorce?
Last edited by username; Jun 30, 2009 at 7:37 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,967
Accrued points and miles do not constitute property of the member. Points accrued by a Marriott Rewards member are for the member's benefit only and may not be transferred to anyone. Points are transferable to a legal spouse or partner only in the case of documented death of the member. Points are not transferable to another person for any other reason, including divorce or inheritance.
#18
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Cheers
#19
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium (former PP), Hilton Silver, UA Silver, AS Member, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,906
If I was on my deathbed (and not married), I would give my passwords to my family and/or friends and tell them to empty the airline and hotel accounts. Heck, I might even ask for a phone and start booking trips for them.
Most airlines and hotels do not allow points/miles to pass as inheritance because they see death as the ultimate breakage opportunity. As for divorce, I think the potential problems from contentious separations makes it unappealing for the programs since they would need a desk of reps (extra overhead) just to handle everything that comes from divorce cases.
Most airlines and hotels do not allow points/miles to pass as inheritance because they see death as the ultimate breakage opportunity. As for divorce, I think the potential problems from contentious separations makes it unappealing for the programs since they would need a desk of reps (extra overhead) just to handle everything that comes from divorce cases.
#20
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
The lawyer I just saw, is not sure. The listserve she's a member has this debate all the time apparently and she'll need to research it more..
Someone mentioned merchandise, which might be an option although the redemption value is horrid. Since I will need a new place to stay shortly, maybe I should just get a Marriott Bed.
Preserving these without having to give something up, is the unlikely goal.
I've got over 500,000 UAL miles as well.
TIC - Maybe I should use them to start an affair and travel to a few exotic places. .
Someone mentioned merchandise, which might be an option although the redemption value is horrid. Since I will need a new place to stay shortly, maybe I should just get a Marriott Bed.
Preserving these without having to give something up, is the unlikely goal.
I've got over 500,000 UAL miles as well.
TIC - Maybe I should use them to start an affair and travel to a few exotic places. .
Can you please get over to Coupon Connection so we can help you out!
#21
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#22
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It's the running joke in our family...my wife knows I would never leave her b/c I don't want to give up half my points!
#23
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
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I'd probably redeem all the points for a future date, as far out as possible. Then, theoretically, they are no longer in the account.
#24
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Or if it came down to it and you didn't redeem them for something and you realize your ex is entitled to half and you didn't want her to get them, donate them to charity.
That is funny. ^
#25
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
The court cannot assign a value to the points, nor do the points have cash value, nor should this be suggested....It's Pandora's Box. You cannot have your cake and eat it, too.
Here is a thread from '05 that goes into more detail: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...ettlement.html
#26
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
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Trade them for gift cards, lock them somewhere safe or as this poster said, redeem for future dates, say they are for your living arrangements and then cash them back out for points after she is long gone
#27
Join Date: May 2008
Location: New Orleans, LA
Programs: MR Platinum, UA, AA, etc. etc. etc.
Posts: 52
We've dealt with several divorces and at least in my state, they have been treated as community assets and split or negotiated in the property settlement. best of luck to you with them.
#28
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Seattle
Posts: 559
Just FYI, Colorado is NOT a community property state. It is an "equitable distribution" state, which is completely different. If your lawyer thinks otherwise, better get another lawyer...
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: Marriott Platinum Premier, UA 1K
Posts: 375
free101girl, that was my mistake...you are absolutely correct.
I like the gift card idea as I'd love to get a Marriott Bed as I'll need a bed shortly (the sofa is getting old)..only problem is that court may look at this as a disposition of assets, so I don't see a way to get around all this in a legal manner. Hopefully my lawyer is good enough to figure this out. Currently my wife doesn't know how many points i have, but my lawyer does.
#30
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I still say trade them for something liquid that you can either turn into cash or into something you can trade again for something you need; it does not have to be here on CC, go to ebay or some other site that will let you make the paypal or liquid asset transaction