5 ways that celebrity divorces are not like yours

#5  Your vitriolic voicemails don't get published in the media. 

When Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen went through a divorce three years after getting married, Sheen was heard in voicemails calling the mother of his children a variety of unsavory names.  In Iowa, and presumably almost anywhere else, custody is conditioned upon the parties' ability to get along and to be able to foster a relationship between the children and the other party.  While this should go without saying, a parent's conduct in bad-mouthing his or her spouse will likely be a factor in determining who obtains custody of the children.  

#4 You notify the media when you and your spouse consciously uncouple.

Married in 2003, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin alerted the press of their impending divorce in March 2014 by posting a message on Gwyneth's blog regarding their desires to separate but continue to be co-parents to their children.  Their mutual desire to put their children and their family first over any bad blood and hurt feelings would be lauded by any judge in any divorce courtroom across the country.  (See #5 above.)  

#3 Your divorce was not nearly as expensive.

Elin Nordegren reportedly walked away with an estimated $110 million in her divorce from Tiger Woods.  Iowa courts strive for an equitable division of the marital property and courts look to several factors, such as the length of the marriage, as well as the age, health, and earning capacities of the parties, when determining how to divide property.  But odds are that the balance sheet used in your divorce didn't contain close to a reported $1 billion in assets.

#2 Your divorce was really not as expensive. (See #3 above)

Mel Gibson's divorce from Robyn Moore Gibson was reportedly worth an estimated $425 million.  

#1 You're stripped of your right to be the Queen of England.

When Charles and Diana divorced after about 15 years of marriage and two sons who would be the eventual heir to the throne, Lady Diana Spencer gave up the right to be called Her Royal Highness, which meant that she would have to curtsey to Prince Charles and her children.  Can you imagine having to sign a Stipulation or a Decree that requires you to bow or curtsey to your ex-wife or ex-husband?  I didn't think so.

The material in this blog is not intended, nor should it be construed or relied upon, as legal advice.  Please consult with an attorney if specific legal information is needed.