Split Supreme Court Says Voluntary Separation Isn't Spousal Desertion

A divided Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a married couple's separation did not result in spousal desertion, so the husband remained entitled to benefits after the wife died from a drug overdose. Roger Blasdell and Heather Blasdell had a nontraditional relationship that dates back to at least 1998. In March 1999, the couple had a daughter, whom they placed in guardianship with a maternal relative who they felt was better able to address their daughter's needs. In August 2008, the Blasdells married and began living in Delhi together with Heather's teenage son from a previous ...