Celebrity Divorces
This billionaire's divorce resulted in one of the largest settlements in history after 25 years of marriage.
Who is Bill Gates?
The legal term for property acquired during the marriage.
What is marital property?
This state requires spouses to live separate and apart for at least one year before they can obtain an absolute divorce.
What is North Carolina?
Myth or Fact: If one spouse files for divorce first, they automatically have the advantage in court.
What is Myth?
Filing first rarely changes the outcome. It may affect timing or strategy, but it doesn't automatically give someone a legal advantage.
A couple has been married for 20 years. The husband inherited $500,000 from his parents and kept it in an account in his name only. The wife automatically receives half in the divorce- yes or no?
What is No?
Inheritances are generally considered separate property if they remain separate and aren't commingled.
This actor and actress became known for their "conscious uncoupling."
Who are Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin?
This is THE biggest financial mistakes divorcing couples make.
What is litigating their divorce?
**Bonus for: What is not understanding taxes, retirement accounts, or future financial implications before agreeing to a settlement?
Believe it or not, if you got married on a dare or as a joke, this state recognizes that as grounds for an annulment.
What is Delaware?
Myth or Fact: Everything is automatically split 50/50 in every divorce.
What is Myth?
New York is an equitable distribution state. "Equitable" means fair, not necessarily equal.
One spouse cheated during the marriage. Should the faithful spouse automatically receive more of the marital assets?
What is No?
In New York, infidelity alone usually does not change how marital property is divided.
This legendary male actor/comedian was married eight times, tying Elizabeth Taylor's Hollywood record.
Who is Mickey Rooney?
Historically, in order to get divorced in New York, one spouse had to prove adultery, abandonment, or cruel treatment. This has changed and you can get divorced using this "ground" instead.
What is no-fault divorce (or irreconcilable differences)
In this state, a court can still prohibit a divorced woman from continuing to use her former husband's last name under certain circumstances.
What is Alabama?
Myth or Fact: If your spouse cheated, they automatically get less in the divorce.
What is Myth?
Infidelity is often emotionally significant, but in New York it usually does not determine how assets are divided.
You're the judge. A couple has spent $80,000 fighting over assets worth $30,000. What should they have considered sooner?
What is mediation or Collaborative Divorce?
** Bonus if you said they should hire Vaz Law
This model and NFL star divorced after nearly 13 years, with reports estimating over $500 million at stake.
Who are Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady?
Your spouse leaves dirty socks on the floor every day for 20 years. You have had enough, file for divorce and it is considered justified.
What is ABSOLUTELY?
Three states offer an optional type of marriage that is intentionally much harder to end, often requiring counseling or proof of fault before divorce. (Covenant Divorce)
What are Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana?
Myth or fact: A divorce can be finalized even if one spouse doesn't agree, doesn't want the divorce and will not sign anything.
What is Fact?
One spouse cannot force the other to remain married simply by refusing to agree.
Parents share custody 50/50. Should neither parent ever pay child support?
What is No?
Parenting time is only one factor. Child support also depends on income and the Child Support Standards Act.
This Amazon founder divorced in 2019, leading to one of the largest wealth transfers ever.
Who is Jeff Bezos?
This is when the collaborative attorneys must withdraw.
What is when either spouse decides to go to court?
This state still allows someone to sue the person they believe "stole" their spouse's affection. (Alienation of Affection)
What is North Carolina?
Myth or Fact: Mothers almost always get custody of the children.
What is Myth?
Courts focus on the best interests of the child, not whether a parent is the mother or father.
One spouse says, "I don't believe in divorce, so I'm refusing to sign the papers." Can they stop the divorce from happening?
What is No?
In New York, one spouse cannot prevent a divorce simply by refusing to agree to it.