Couples in an average marriage face some pretty common issues when they file for divorce. For example, they have to divide their property and debts. If they have children, they must develop a good parenting plan that covers custody and visitation. And, since divorce records are public, friends and family could discover their very private dealings, but it’s unlikely their peccadilloes will hit the news or go viral. High-profile divorces take common issues up a notch or two (or three or four, depending on the couple).
Dirty Laundry Is Often Made Public in High-Profile Divorces.
It’s unlikely that tabloids and paparazzi will care about a divorce unless it involves prominent or famous people. Once they learn a juicy detail about one or both spouses, they tend to run with it to scoop other publishers and attract readers.
That’s why in high-profile divorces, it’s often far too easy to learn:
- Intimate details about a couple’s sex life,
- Evidence of drug abuse, and
- Allegations of physical and emotional abuse.
In fact, sometimes, one of the spouses leaks allegations about the other spouse. They may hope to improve their bargaining position or get a more significant chunk of community property. However, such behavior can impact both spouses and any children they have.
Negative Media Attention Can Impact Reputation and Employability.
Since divorce records are public, almost anyone can be affected by insinuations and allegations of bad behavior. But people are usually more likely to read details of high-profile divorces online. Sometimes evidence or even just rumors can affect an entertainer or politician’s career.
For example, actress Amber Heard accused her husband, Johnny Depp, of domestic violence during and even after their highly-visible divorce. Later, after losing a defamation suit in the U.K. regarding her allegations, Depp lost a starring role in Fantastic Beasts 3. He also states that Hollywood studios are boycotting him because of the situation.
Actress Denise Richards is another instance of high-profile divorces that affect employability. In an interview with Page Six, she stated:
“… It was hard for me to comprehend that my public divorce affected my work. I didn’t understand it at that time because I thought, ‘How come? That’s my private life. It shouldn’t affect my work.’ But it did.”
But behavior is not the only difference in high-profile divorces.
High-Profile Divorces Often Involve High Net Worth.
Invasive media attention aside, divorces among the rich and famous still involve the same nitty-gritty issues other couples face.
Property division might be an issue because couples have amassed real estate, financial investments, collectibles, and cash. High-net-worth divorces can be trouble, even when the litigants have a low profile.
Wealthier couples might face unique situations regarding property division and also spousal support. For example, the following issues could occur:
- Separate Property. One spouse brought significantly more assets to the marriage. However, that party’s separate property became commingled with the less wealthy spouse’s property. Without the proper documentation and backup, division could be a nightmare.
- Income Disparity. Sometimes one spouse brings in far more income than the other. But both parties enjoyed a standard of living based on that income. During high-profile divorces, the spouse who brought in the most income may end up paying a large portion to the other.
- Intellectual Property and Royalties. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights can generate income for years for the person holding the intellectual property rights. Singers, actors, and writers may enjoy royalties for years after dissolving their relationship. Will their ex-spouse be entitled to a portion of income derived from intellectual property and royalties?
The recent divorce of Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock seems to involve the last issue mentioned above. Ms. Clarkson was recently ordered to pay her ex-husband $150,000 a month in spousal support and $45,000 in child support, although she has primary custody of their two children. During their marriage, it is likely that Ms. Clarkson contributed more financially to their standard of life. Under divorce laws, Mr. Blackstock is entitled to spousal support to help him continue their lifestyle, at least for a time.
High-Profile Divorces Usually Need Highly-Experienced Divorce Attorneys
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced at all phases of divorce, legal separation, and annulment. Call us at 415-293-8314 to schedule a private appointment or visit our website. We assist clients along California’s Northern to Southern Coast, including San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Marin, San Jose, Gold River, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, and surrounding communities.