A judge in Dutchess County has decided that a couple “for all intents and purposes” was divorced, even though the signed settlement stipulation had not yet been entered as a final judgment when the ex-husband died.

Surrogate James Pagones ruled in Probate Proceeding, Will of Jon David E., that the divorce of “Jon David E.” had become final and his former wife, “Anna J. M-E,” cannot assume the role of executrix as stipulated in his will because she was no longer his wife when he died.