By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a surprising turn of events, the records in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce case have been unsealed after a request from eight media organizations. Judge Robert Brotherton signed the order following an agreement between Paxton and his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton. The released documents reveal the couple has entered mediation and that their blind trust provided funds for attorney fees. While the initial filings did not provide detailed financial information, the unsealing is considered a victory for transparency in light of Paxton’s run for U.S. Senate and past misconduct allegations.
Read the original article here
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case are unsealed, and it seems like the lid has been lifted on a story that’s been brewing for a while. The unsealing happened before noon, revealing some interesting tidbits about the ongoing legal battle between the Texas Attorney General and his wife, State Senator Angela Paxton.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case show that the couple has entered mediation, a common step in divorce proceedings that suggests they’re trying to work things out outside of a courtroom showdown. Interestingly, their blind trust, which is a financial arrangement designed to prevent conflicts of interest, had dished out $20,000 to each of them to cover their legal fees. This gives a small glimpse into the financial aspect of the divorce, which, as an elected official, has a relevance to Ken Paxton’s role in office.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case also document Angela Paxton’s earlier request for her husband to produce certain documents pertinent to the case. This simple request shines a light on the typical back-and-forth of divorce litigation, as one spouse seeks information from the other. The documents also reveal a bit of a judicial shuffle, as multiple judges recused themselves before the case landed in the hands of a visiting judge based in Wichita Falls.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case, before being sealed, were partially reported by The Texas Newsroom, who had already published several records. This gives context to the secrecy. The documents that had been previously available included Paxton’s general denial of his wife’s divorce petition.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case have not, so far, revealed any sensational details about the couple’s financial situation, the division of assets, or the alleged affair that reportedly led to the divorce. But the court documents signal that there will be additional filings and revelations as the case continues to unfold. Media organizations and non-partisan groups have agreed to redact personal information like social security numbers and home addresses.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case started with Angela Paxton filing for divorce back in July, citing adultery as the reason for the separation. Shortly after the initial filing, she requested that the court records be sealed, and a judge initially agreed to the request, placing the entire case under wraps. Ken Paxton originally supported the sealing of the records, claiming the press was unfairly invading his privacy.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case have been contested by eight media organizations and a nonpartisan nonprofit, who argued that Paxton’s divorce records should be public. Their reasoning is that Paxton is an elected official running for office and facing allegations of corruption. Paxton’s finances, which are brought up in the divorce case, are a central part of the misconduct allegations against him. While Paxton has been the subject of numerous allegations and faced criminal charges during his tenure, he has never been convicted of any crime.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case, now public, are sure to be used as fodder in his campaign for the U.S. Senate, where he is currently challenging John Cornyn in the Republican primary. His opponent may very well bring his personal life into the spotlight to tarnish Paxton’s reputation. This is not out of the ordinary, and is expected in an election year.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case, and the details surrounding their unsealing, emphasize the ongoing debate about the public’s right to know versus an individual’s right to privacy, especially when it concerns a high-profile politician. The release, while perhaps not offering any immediate bombshells, serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that comes with holding a position of power, and how public perception is critical during an election season. This is especially true for Paxton, considering the various allegations of misconduct he has faced throughout his career.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case have not included details on the accusations of child SA, but this is an ongoing case with many unanswered questions.
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case reveal an elected official who has previously been in trouble with the law. While many will see this case and judge his actions harshly, those who have supported Paxton in the past may find his personal life an unimportant issue. In any event, the public now has a clearer picture of his personal life, and may judge him and his actions accordingly.