Famous High Net Worth Divorces of 2015
The truth of the phrase “more money, more problems” may be debatable, but it is certainly the case when it comes to divorces involving couples with high net worth. There are significantly more financial issues for lawyers, managers, and ultimately judges to consider. Prenuptial agreements may simplify divorce proceedings, but oftentimes couples enter into marriage avoiding such agreements for various reasons, which can invite complications later. Here are four high net worth couples that either entered into or finalized divorce proceedings in 2015.
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale
The marriage of two of the 1990’s most iconic (and pinup-worthy) alternative music stars appears headed for divorce after singer Gwen Stefani filed for divorce from husband Gavin Rossdale, lead singer of the band Bush, in August. While both Stefani and Rossdale have had extremely successful music careers, Stefani has reportedly amassed a fortune of close to $100 million (Stefani has maintained her fame and earnings as a judge on “The Voice”) while Rossdale’s net worth is closer to $35 million. Rossdale has also stayed out of the spotlight in recent years relative to Stefani, and he reportedly is now asking for a sizable chunk of her earnings, including spousal and child support, based in part on the fact that he has taken on the duties of raising their three children while Stefani has focused on her career. The couple, who have been married for 13 years, do not have a prenuptial agreement.
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert
Stefani was not the only judge of “The Voice” to enter divorce proceedings in 2015, as her fellow judge Blake Shelton finalized a divorce from country music star Miranda Lambert in July, just hours after the couple announced they were splitting. The divorce decree, which was finalized by an Oklahoma state judge just weeks after it was initially submitted, was filed under a protective seal order, meaning the contents were kept confidential. While the couple of four years did have a prenuptial agreement and the divorce decree was said to have aligned closely with the terms of that agreement. According to unconfirmed reports, the decree provided that Lambert would keep the couple’s Nashville home while Shelton would keep their Oklahoma ranch.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin
Paltrow and Martin famously introduced the phrase “conscious uncoupling” into the popular vernacular in 2014 when they decided to end their marriage of 10 years in 2014, and finalized the terms of their divorce in April 2015. Paltrow, an Oscar-winning actress and media entrepreneur, and Martin, singer of the band Coldplay, have continued to be friends as they both moved on to new relationships and shared parenting duties for their two children. The terms of their divorce agreement are confidential, but were reportedly worked out by their respective managers to determine custody and allocation of property.
Dmitiri Rybolovlev and Elena Rybolovlev
While not household names in the U.S., the divorce of Russian business magnate Dmitri Rybolovlev from his wife Elena merits mention for the staggering numbers involved as well as the length of the divorce proceedings. The former couple spent seven years in total in ending their marriage, and while the final terms of their divorce agreement have not been divulged, their divorce battle made headlines when a Swiss judge initially granted Elena a $4.5 billion divorce award, which was later lowered to $600 million. At stake in the divorce proceedings, which came to a close in October, was a $95 million vacation home once owned by Donald Trump and two Greek islands worth $150 million.
If You Need Assistance With A Divorce
Whether or not you are a high net worth individual, you should make sure you have professional guidance as you enter into the complicated process of obtaining a divorce in California. The Gastelum Law Firm has years of experience in obtaining fair and just divorce decrees in California, and will work to zealously represent your interests as you go through the divorce process. Contact Gastelum Law Firm today for a free consultation.
