McCartney Divorce Settlement

It looks like the Judge that is presiding over the Heather Mills v. Paul McCartney divorce is about to make a decision and Ms. Mills may be receiving 25-30 million pounds in her divorce decree. It is reported that this amount was what was originally offered by McCartney, but with the offer also came a confidentiality clause. Therefore, if Ms. Mills wishes to not appeal the Judge, it seems that she went through close to two years of fighting and being crucified by the press so that she can publish a book about her marriage to McCartney. It seems crazy to me that you would not settle a case that would give you over $50 million just so you can blab your story to anyone who will listen, but I guess it'll be worth it for Ms. Mills. Hopefully there are no appeals, and everyone can move on with the rest of their lives.

To read more about this story, visit: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article3554657.ece

You Heard It Here!!

Every now and then I come across an article that is so strange that I feel the need to share it with my readers. It appears that a woman was allowed to annul her marriage after she divorced because she found out that her husband used to be a woman. In fact, the husband in question was still physically a woman, but had changed his/her name. In most states, same sex marriage is not allowed, so I'm not sure how you annul a marriage that was never legally binding, but it seems that you can in this particular state.

To read the article upon which this blog is based see the following:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337531,00.html

Men and Cheating

I'm sure most everyone is aware of the problems that are facing the current governor of New York, Elliott Spitzer. If you are living under a rock and haven't heard, there are accusations about him using high end prostitutes and possibly facing criminal charges for transporting a prostitute across state lines. While watching the news yesterday on The Today Show, in conjunction with this newsworthy item, there was a statistic that stated that 1 in every 5 men cheat. I was flabbergasted by that statistic and it got me thinking of why would that number be so high. If anyone out there can shed some light on why men cheat, please post to my blog so that I can enlighten myself and my readers.

Divorce Parties

I've blogged in the past about divorce parties and how more and more people are finding ways to celebrate their divorce. Whether you wanted to plan a party for your closest friends or throw a shindig for a large group of divorced strangers, there was a reason to let loose down in Fort Lauderdale recently. A bar owner in Fort Lauderdale opened up his club to 400 or so divorced people looking to party and commiserate. I'm still not sold on the idea that a divorce should be celebrated, but I definitely understand the relief that many people feel after their divorce is finalized, and that in some circumstances a party may be appropriate.

To read the article upon which this blog is based, see: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.postcard08mar08,0,1866345.story

Speaking About Divorce With Children

I often have to tell my clients that it is 100% not appropriate to speak with their children about any of their divorce proceedings. Children, no matter whether they are 1 years old or 21 years old, should not have to involve themselves in their parents' divorce case. They should not have to run interference, nor should they be the bearers of messages between one parent or the other. The court can look unkindly upon a party who is using their children as a way of communicating to their soon to be ex. The following article about the divorce between Hulk Hogan and his wife is a prime example of what can happen if you involve your children in your divorce.

http://www.pr-inside.com/wife-takes-action-to-stop-hogan-r471083.htm

Budget Cuts Affecting Florida Courts

The following article addresses budget cuts and how those cuts will affect the Florida courts, including courts here in Central, Florida:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/letters/orl-myword03b08mar03,0,5907779.story

End In Sight

It looks like the McCartney v. Mills divorce drama is coming to an end. There is a target date of March 17, 2008 for a final ruling in their case to decide who gets what and how much. If either party decides that they are unhappy or not in agreement with the judge's ruling, they can appeal. However, if they appeal, their divorce proceedings will no longer remain private and all prying eyes are going to be able to see exactly what happened in their divorce. I'm not sure whether Ms. Mills cares about their proceedings going public, but based upon all that has been written, it seems clear that Mr. McCartney wants the proceedings to be sealed and kept confidential. I hope for the sake of their daughter that this divorce drama finally comes to an end.

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g0ky_KPSfC-pfKpb_ocGaKQL5V7Q