Celebrity Divorce: How the Other Half Lives

Celebrities pay the same emotionally steep price as the rest of us when their relationships end in divorce.  However, divorce has to do with dollars too, and the more wealth, the more gets spread around during a marital breakup. When it comes to celebrity divorce, what does it cost to make a brand new start?

Reportedly worth $150 million, singer, actress, and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez and singer Marc Anthony recently announced the breakup of their seven-year marriage.  Mr. Anthony—estimated to possess a personal net worth around $40 million—and Ms. Lopez were  married in 2004 and are parents of three-year-old twins, Max and Emme.

In their joint announcement, Ms. Lopez and Mr. Anthony noted they had come to an amicable conclusion on all matters.  This early statement provides hope that the high-power celebrity couple can keep divorce details—custodial and financial—private, like many monied but unhappily married couples.  Amicable resolution of these important issues signals the involvement of experienced divorce lawyers working for both parties, and possibly the presence of a prenuptial agreement.

The breakup of the Lopez-Anthony relationship pales next to the drama of the split between actress Sandra Bullock and now ex-husband Jesse James, and the infamous tales accompanying the split between golfer Tiger Woods and Swedish model Elin Nordegren.

Regardless of celebrity, divorce court procedure takes precedence in how divorce matters are handled.  Owing to Texas law, Mr. James received no spousal support from Ms. Bullock as the couple was married less than ten years.  And regardless of the rumored $100 million settlement received by Ms. Nordegren, Mr. Woods and Ms. Nordegren were required under Florida law to attend parenting classes to assist their children cope with life after divorce.

Wealthy couples and not-so-wealthy couples utilize the same courts, petitions, and skilled advice from experienced legal counsel.  Divorce does not discriminate—at any level marital breakup can be painful and expensive.  If considering divorce in the Buffalo, NY area, consult with skilled Buffalo divorce lawyers to protect your interests in the present, and help you plan for a brighter future.