Alabama Divorce & Family Law Attorney Blog : Birmingham Divorce Lawyer & Attorney : Eversole Law Firm : Serving Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile Alabama

Once again Hollywood is abuzz with stories of the marital rift between Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock and so-called bad boy and biker Jesse James. With rumors of divorce now swirling around the couple, it would appear that once again even the rich and famous can end up at odds with each other, although according to the tabloids this is mostly the husband’s making.

As a Birmingham divorce lawyer and family law attorney, I have represented numerous clients across Alabama. From what I’ve seen, it makes no difference if you live in a large city such as Birmingham, Montgomery or Huntsville, or smaller municipality like Fort Payne, Fairhope or Muscle Shoals, separation and divorce can become the option of last resort for some folks. As for Ms. Bullock, this appears to be the case as well.

According to reports, Bullock has may be on course to divorce her husband of five years, with the public weighing in on the subject as well from coast to coast. The recent revelations of James’ alleged affairs with five separate women, including tattooed model Michelle McGee have apparently opened Bullocks eyes to her husband’s possible infidelity. The news of McGee’s admission that she had an alleged 11-month affair with James seems to have left little question in Bullock’s mind where she stands in the equation.

Based on new articles, close friends of the Hollywood star have said that Bullock has “definitely” made up her mind to divorce James. She has apparently been consulting a lawyer and is preparing to for divorce. Other insiders state that James is hoping that his stint in rehab and some privacy will help him recover and save his marriage.

Describing him as a “broken man,” one of James’ friends is on record as saying that James is still in love with his wife and that the whole affair has destroyed his “entire universe.”

According to news reports, 40-year-old James recently checked himself into an undisclosed treatment facility to “deal with personal issues" and to try and save his marriage. In a public apology last month, James apparently admitted to having poor judgment in regard to the extramarital affair.

 

Sandra Bullock 'definitely' wants divorce, NYDailyNews.com, April 2, 2010

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In the recent maelstrom of mistress allegations, Tiger Woods may be headed to divorce court if the gossip pages are correct. As a Birmingham divorce and family law attorney, I have first-hand experience with divorce and separation cases involving infidelity in a marriage. While Mr. Woods’ situation is perhaps more extreme than most, the result -- a wife deciding to consult a divorce lawyer -- is nothing new in my profession.

Revelations of a single or as in this case multiple affairs can quickly push a marriage toward divorce or, at best, legal separation. Sports figures, entertainers and other personalities can sometimes be more prone to marital troubles than the rest of us, it’s a big let down to those who revere these high-profile names.

In this case, according to various news reports, Elin Nordegren is planning to divorce the fallen golf icon. That piece of information came from a source, who recently spoke to People magazine, adding that Nordegren has “made up her mind." More damning is the reports from the New York Daily News, which reported that the 29-year-old Nordegren and husband Tiger would be “going their separate ways for the holidays.”

The article says that the former model will be heading to Sweden with the couple’s two children, while Woods will be staying home. According to reports, the golfer is looking for a “safe harbor” and waiting for the storm to settle. He reportedly will be spending the holidays with two or three of his male friends.

Reports also state that a friend of Woods claims the golf great had likely cheated on Nordegren with more than the dozen or so women who have already emerged since Thanksgiving. The latest news reports allege that Woods wired thousands of dollars every month to several women, with one receiving up to $20,000 a month, according to MSNBC.

 

Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren ready for divorce: report, NYDailyNews.com, December 16, 2009

 

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It appears that nobody is immune to “irreconcilable differences” when it comes to marriage and the tenuous threads that hold relationships together. As a Birmingham divorce attorney, I have seen my share of difficult separations and complicated divorce cases. And, while the Hollywood crowd is perhaps more prone to marital troubles than the rest of us, it’s sad indeed to hear about those famous long-term married couples who are headed toward divorce.

Such is the case with actor-producer Mel Gibson and his wife, Robyn. Married since 1980, Gibson himself has been plagued by scandals for some time, which the tabloids have covered ad nauseum. A self-proclaimed and ardent follower of the Catholic faith, Gibson will soon have to face the music now that his wife has filed for divorce, citing those same irreconcilable differences.

The Gibsons have no prenuptial agreement, according to reports, and Robyn Gibson is seeking spousal support and custody of their 10-year-old son -- the only minor among their seven kids. Although the scandal sheets have more than suggested infidelity, many observers describe the Gibson case as more complicated, pointing out that the couple’s marriage has been in trouble for almost three years.

Hollywood insiders cite Mr. Gibson’s well-publicized 2006 DUI arrest as the milepost marking the beginning of the discord between husband and wife. Reportedly, the two have been living apart and maintaining separate residences in the Malibu area for more than two years.

From a legal perspective, the date of separation, which reports say is yet to be determined, will mark the point where spousal earnings cease to be community property. But this may be academic. By even the most conservative estimates, Mel Gibson’s net worth is close to $1 billion, and since California is a no-fault, community-property state, all assets are split 50-50 and infidelity is not taken into consideration.

As an Alabama divorce lawyer, I cover the city of Birmingham, as well as the state of Alabama. Because divorce is a very personal and emotional subject, Eversole Law provides not only top notch legal services, but also approaches every case with a high degree of professionalism and compassion for the parties involved. When you chose an Alabama divorce attorney from Eversole Law you receive personalized and caring 24/7 service.  We watch after our clients, because they deserve an advocate who will fight for them.

 

Sideshow: Mel Gibson's wife wants out, Philly.com, April 14, 2009

Oksana No. 4 seen behind Mel Gibson's door, NYDailyNews.com, April 19, 2009

 

 

 

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Please check out my firm's website.  My Alabama Divorce Law firm focuses our practice on divorce, child custody, child visitation, alimony and support, property division, asset protection, family law and more.  We cross the state of Alabama and regularly handle divorce and family law cases in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Pelham, Leeds, Moody, Pell City, Trussville, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Fultondale, Irondale, Homewood; and in counties like Jefferson County, St. Clair County, Madison County, Tuscaloosa County, Shelby County, Mobile County, Walker County, Jackson County, Marshall County, Limestone County, Chilton County, Bibb County, Talladega County, Montgomery County, Etowah County, Mobile County, Cullman County, Baldwin County, Winston County, Dekalb County and Cherokee County, etc. 

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Hulk Hogan's wife filed for divorce on Monday.  Her divorce complaint alleged their marriage, "irretrievably broken."   Hogan issued a statement today regarding his pending divorce and marital break-up.  Hogan seems to have been caught off guard by the divorce complaint and is hoping everything works out in the end. 

A common, and sometimes very effective tactic, is slowing the process down.  As a defendant in divorce proceedings, it is sometimes wise to let the other side cool down.  As a plaintiff filing a divorce complaint I try not to file during major holidays like Christmas.  I see no reason to inflame emotions any more than necessary.  Of course, there are many situations where this approach is not feasible, i.e. in cases of spousal or child abuse, etc.  However, I do find that both parties are much more interested and reasonable in resolving divorce issues like property division, child custody and visitation,  and alimony when their minds are not clouded by the emotion of a new, and often unexpected, divorce petition. 

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Here at the Birmingham, Alabama Divorce and Family Law blog we have been following the trials and tribulations of Britney Spears as she engaged in a vicious custody battle with her ex-husband K-Fed.  Today, Britney lost her battle and lost custody of her children.  I pontificated in an earlier post that Britney would lose her kids if she continued to abuse alcohol and drugs, and she did.  This should be a warning to everyone going through an Alabama child custody dispute.  Do not give your ex-spouse ammunition in a child custody proceeding by taking alcohol or drugs. 

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As most of you know Britney Spears and her former husband K-Fed, are in a bitter custody dispute.  K-Fed is attempting to modify the previous custody agreement.  Today, the judge ordered Britney to undergo testing for controlled substances and alcohol, after finding Britney has engaged in continuous and frequent abuse of alcohol and drugs. If Britney keeps this up she will lose custody of  her kids.  It is a shame because we all know K-Fed is really after child support.  The judge also ordered both Britney and K-Fed to complete a Parenting Without Conflict program. He also ordered that neither parent shall consume alcohol or other non-prescription drugs, for a 12 hour period previous to a time when either parent has responsibility for care and custody of their children.

This case is an excellent example of children being used as a battering ram in a divorce proceeding.  Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not uncommon.  K-Fed is using the children to obtain more child support money from the divorce.  This kind of tactic only ends up hurting your children, and yourself in the long run.

This case should also illustrate, that if you are engaged in a divorce or custody battle you should refrain from using alcohol or drugs pending the outcome of the proceedings.  If you are using any kind of drugs or alcohol during a child custody proceeding or divorce, you are simply giving the other side ammunition to attack your credibility, morals and fitness to take care of your children(whether this is fair or not, it is the truth).

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 Big divorce news in Atlanta.  Evangelist Juanita Bynum has had enough.  She filed papers seeking a divorce from her husband, Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III this past Monday, September 10, 2007.  According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, divorce papers accuse the Bishop of "beating, stomping and choking" his wife.  It is sad commentary on our times, that a supposed man of God, is being accused of domestic violence.  True or not, this kind of press is bad for the truly religious. If true, it is just another example of a con artist taking money in the guise of religion.  No true man of God(or any real-man for that matter) would ever put a hand to his wife.  That being said, it is not uncommon in divorce or child custody cases for one party, normally the wife, to accuse their spouse of some kind of domestic violence.  Accusing your spouse of domestic or child abuse can be an unscrupulous means to gain the advantage during divorce or custody proceedings. 

 

 

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In case your feeling really ill about how much your ex significant other is taking you to the cleaners, read this article  from Forbes about the effects of divorce on the rich and famous. 

It is still hard to be sorry for a guy like Sir Paul McCartney.  Sir Paul, you really needed a better lawyer my friend.  No matter how much you think you love someone, in today's world, and when these kind of assets are in play, you should always, always obtain a prenuptial agreement. 

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