A neurosurgeon filing for divorce from actress Geena Davis was awarded $50,000 in interim attorneys’ fees from the actress in advance of a hearing resuming later this month concerning the validity of their marriage, far less than the $410,000 he sought.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Juhas said Friday the fee was reasonable considering the financial assets of Dr. Reza Jarrahy compared to the 63-year-old “Thelma & Louise” co-star. He said the amount can be brought up again later by either party after the issue of marriage validity has been tried. Testimony resumes Nov. 21. It began Aug. 21, but was interrupted when Jarrahy’s lawyer, Stephen Kolodny, became ill.
Juhas heard arguments on attorneys’ fees from attorneys on Nov. 1, then took the case under submission before ruling Thursday. Peter Lauzon, a lawyer for the 63-year-old actress, argued that the judge had no jurisdiction to make such an award, but later said under questioning by the judge that a reasonable amount of fees could be given to the doctor.
The ceremony that Jarrahy maintains was a valid marriage took place in the Hamptons in Long Island, New York, in September 2001. The judge said the only issue that ultimately needs to be decided in the case is whether Jarrahy’s father was legally able to marry the two. The Iranian-American Jarrahy maintains his father was a valid officiant under Islamic law.
Both sides agree there was no marriage license.
Davis was present for the Nov. 1 hearing, but Jarrahy, 48, did not attend.
The couple have a 17-year-old daughter and twin 15-year-old sons. Jarrahy filed for divorce in May 2018 and asked for spousal support, as well as joint legal and physical custody of the children.
Lauzon said that during their 17-year relationship, Jarrahy always filed his tax returns as a single person. Lauzon said Jarrahy’s lawyers have spent considerable amounts of money on the same issues repeatedly since the divorce petition was filed.