Celebrity Divorces in the News - Blue Bell, PA Divorce Attorney
Which celebrity couples have made news headlines recently with news of divorce? Find out below.
Katy Perry & Russell Brand
Like many local Pennsylvania couples, pop star Katy Perry began her New Year by taking steps to end a failed marriage. After only 14 months of married life, Perry and her husband, actor and comedian Russell Brand, have filed for divorce in their home state of California. Reports indicate that the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement. Since California is a community property state, this means that husband Brand will likely be entitled to half of the estimated $45 million his wife has earned during the course of their marriage.
Community property states consider all income earned during the marriage to be marital property that is to be split equally upon divorce, regardless of who earned it. By contrast, Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. This means that all marital property acquired during the marriage should be divided fairly. In PA, marital property consists of any property acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Under PA law, the marital property will be divided equally unless the court finds that equal division would be unjust. Learn more about equitable distribution in Pennsylvania.
Heidi Klum & Seal
Supermodel and TV host Heidi Klum and her husband, singer Seal, have announced that they have separated and plan to divorce. The couple has been married for 7 years. Klum and Seal have 4 children from their marriage, including Klum’s daughter from a previous relationship.
The separation comes to a surprise to many, as the couple appeared to have a very solid relationship. Klum and Seal were known for renewing their vows each year on their anniversary. There have not yet been any reports concerning the details of the divorce and issues such as child custody and property settlement.
Deion & Pilar Sanders
Former NFL and MLB athlete Deion Sanders and his wife, Pilar, have chosen to end their 12-year marriage by filing for divorce in Texas. Initial reports suggested this would be an amicable divorce; however, in recent court documents, Sanders’ wife has accused her husband of adultery and physical, mental and emotional abuse. Pilar is seeking sole legal custody of the couple’s 3 children, and she has also moved to have the couple’s prenup thrown out.
Kobe & Vanessa Bryant
Famed basketball star Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, have made news headlines recently after Vanessa filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences” after 10 years of marriage. According to reports, the Bryants did not sign a prenuptial agreement before marrying in 2001, meaning that Kobe’s wife is likely entitled to half of his net worth, valued at an estimated $150 million. Family law experts say that Vanessa Bryant will likely receive at least $75 million in addition to ongoing spousal support and child support.
The 10-year length of the marriage gives Vanessa Bryant several advantages under California law. After 10 years, the marriage is defined as lengthy, which means that a spouse is entitled to maintain his or her standard of living after the divorce. Vanessa Bryant may be entitled to permanent spousal support and access to her husband’s retirement accounts as well.
Jason Martin, Esq. is an experienced PA family law attorney who assists clients seeking divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support and alimony in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County and Philadelphia County. Contact The Martin Law Firm for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.