By Gene Maddaus and Dennis Romero

Judge Scott Gordon dealt a major blow to Dodgers owner Frank McCourt on Tuesday, voiding a 2004 marital agreement that would have deprived his ex-wife Jamie of a stake in the team.

The ruling does not automatically make Jamie a co-owner of the Dodgers but it does strengthen her hand.

From Tuesday morning's decision:

“The court finds that the marital property agreement is not a valid and enforceable agreement. The court orders that the marital property agreement is set aside.”

The ruling in the McCourts' contentious divorce, which has essentially put one of the city's most beloved sports franchises on the line, came after the two sides failed to work out an agreement in settlement talks.

Jamie apparently held out for a favorable ruling. And her move paid off.

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