The question of whether Dr. William Petit Jr. and Christine Paluf are still married has lingered for years, especially since their highly publicized 2012 wedding which followed the devastating 2007 Cheshire, Connecticut home invasion. As of December 2025, the answer may surprise many who have followed Dr. Petit's life story of resilience and recovery. While their marriage marked a significant, hopeful chapter for the sole survivor of the brutal tragedy, public records and biographical updates indicate that the couple is no longer together, having reportedly ended their marriage several years ago.
The relationship between the renowned physician and the photographer was a beacon of hope, leading to the birth of a son and a new life for Dr. Petit. However, the most recent available information suggests that the marriage concluded in 2020, marking the end of their eight-year union. This article delves into the details of their relationship, Dr. Petit’s current life, and the biographical facts surrounding both individuals.
Biography and Public Profile of Dr. William A. Petit Jr. and Christine Paluf
The lives of Dr. William Petit and Christine Paluf became intertwined following one of the most horrific crimes in Connecticut history. Their individual biographies paint a picture of resilience, public service, and professional dedication.
- Dr. William A. Petit Jr. (The Survivor, Physician, and Politician)
- Born: September 24, 1956.
- First Marriage: Jennifer Hawke-Petit (m. 1985; tragically died 2007).
- Children (First Marriage): Hayley Petit and Michaela Petit (both tragically died 2007).
- Profession: Former Endocrinologist and Physician.
- Public Service: Served as a Republican member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing District 22 (from 2017).
- Foundation Work: Founder and Chairman of the Petit Family Foundation, dedicated to honoring the lives of his first wife and daughters.
- Second Marriage: Christine Paluf (m. 2012; reportedly divorced 2020).
- Child (Second Marriage): One son, born in 2013.
- Key Entities: Cheshire Home Invasion, Connecticut General Assembly, Petit Family Foundation, Endocrinologist.
- Christine Paluf (The Photographer and Volunteer)
- Profession: Professional Photographer and Freelance Photographer.
- Key Role: Met Dr. Petit while volunteering her photography services for the Petit Family Foundation.
- Business Association: Has been associated with photography and media work, including "Le Petit Studio, LLC."
- Age: Born circa 1977-1978 (She was 34 when she married in 2012).
- Key Entities: Professional Photographer, Petit Family Foundation Volunteer, Le Petit Studio, Farmington, CT.
The Marriage That Marked a New Beginning: 2012
The wedding of Dr. William Petit and Christine Paluf was a pivotal moment in Dr. Petit's journey, signaling a powerful step forward after the unspeakable tragedy of 2007. The Cheshire home invasion resulted in the horrific deaths of his wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and his two daughters, Hayley and Michaela, leaving Dr. Petit as the sole survivor.
Five years after the tragedy, Dr. Petit found love and companionship again with Christine Paluf, a professional photographer.
- How They Met: Christine Paluf began volunteering her time and professional photography skills to the Petit Family Foundation, a non-profit organization Dr. Petit established in memory of his family.
- The Engagement: The couple became engaged in 2011, approximately four years after the devastating crime.
- The Wedding: Dr. Petit, then 55, and Christine, then 34, were married in a ceremony in West Hartford, Connecticut, in August 2012. The event was attended by approximately 300 guests, including family members of his first wife.
- New Family: The couple welcomed a son, their first child together, in late 2013. This new addition was a profound moment of joy and healing for the entire extended Petit family.
The marriage was widely viewed as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the possibility of finding happiness even after enduring the deepest pain. Christine’s support and involvement with the foundation were instrumental in this new chapter of Dr. Petit’s life.
The Unconfirmed Separation: A 2020 Divorce
Despite the initial public joy and the birth of their son, the marriage between Dr. William Petit and Christine Paluf reportedly came to an end. While major news outlets have not published a prominent article announcing the separation, biographical records, including a key update on his public profile, indicate a significant change in their marital status.
- Reported Divorce Date: The marriage between Dr. William Petit and Christine Paluf is listed as concluding in 2020.
- Lack of Public Statement: Given the intensely private nature of Dr. Petit’s life following the 2007 tragedy, details surrounding the separation have not been publicly discussed or confirmed by the couple.
- Current Status: Based on the most current available public information, Dr. William Petit and Christine Paluf are not currently married.
This reported separation, though quiet, marks another transition in Dr. Petit's personal life. The focus of his public life has largely shifted to his political career and his continued work with the Petit Family Foundation, while Christine continues her work as a professional photographer. The couple’s son is now over a decade old, and the priority for both parents remains his well-being.
Dr. Petit's Life and Career After the Marriage
Dr. William Petit's life has been defined by his commitment to public service and advocacy, a path he intensified after his remarriage. His professional and political endeavors have kept him in the public eye, focusing on issues of victims' rights and healthcare.
- Political Career: Following his recovery and remarriage, Dr. Petit entered politics. He successfully ran for the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the 22nd District, and began his term in 2017. He has been a vocal advocate for victims' rights, drawing on his own harrowing experience.
- The Petit Family Foundation: He remains the driving force behind the Petit Family Foundation, which honors his first family by providing grants to organizations that benefit women, children, and those affected by violence. This foundation work is a core part of his legacy and a continuous tribute to Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela.
- Endocrinology: While his public focus is on politics and the foundation, Dr. Petit is a board-certified endocrinologist, though he has stepped away from a full-time medical practice to pursue his political and advocacy work.
The journey of Dr. William Petit is one of immense tragedy followed by remarkable resilience, a story that continues to evolve. While his marriage to Christine Paluf provided a crucial period of healing and a new family, his life today is centered on his son, his political responsibilities, and the enduring mission of the Petit Family Foundation.
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