Celebrity Separations and Divorces: Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

[Photo from wikipedia]

Why do some celebrities have to open their mouths and bash their exes?  If you believe actor Brad Pitt, he opened his mouth this week, during an interview for this Sunday's Parade magazine, but he didn't intend to bash his ex, actress Jennifer Aniston. 

Of course, Pitt and Aniston were married from 2000 until 2005, when he met his new (and current) girl friend, Angelina Jolie, on the movie set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  (It is also important to point out that Pitt and Jolie have denied they committed adultery before Pitt and Aniston were divorced).

But you read the interview and decide for yourself about Pitt's comments and whether or not they were directed, in any way, at Aniston.  According to various news reports, during the interview, among other things, Pitt described his life, while he was married to Aniston, as dull and "pathetic."

Since the interview, Pitt has tried to make amends, by complimenting Aniston, and by emphasizing that he was only talking about his own life and career, and not about his marriage or about Aniston.

Who knows?  Maybe, Pitt's explanation is correct.  Maybe he wasn't bashing Aniston.  But maybe this incident also illustrates that celebrities, just like regular folks, should simply not open their mouths and say anything which could ever be construed as negative about their exes!  And this rule is especially true if the party was once married to, and then divorced, "America's Sweetheart!"

Don't you agree?

Celebrity Separations and Divorces: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker

[Photo from wikipedia]

Sometimes, celebrities must try to answer some really dumb questions from the media!  If you were asked, like actress Eva Longoria, following a recent divorce, whether you would ever marry again, what would be your answer?

According to various news reports, Ms. Longoria gave a pretty good response to this question, in my opinion.  She basically said that she has not given it a lot of thought and that no woman, after recently getting a divorce, could really give a truthful answer!

Don't you agree that this is a fair response?  After all, Ms. Longoria's divorce from basketball star Tony Parker was just finalized earlier this year.  And while we all can probably safely predict that the Desperate Housewives star will not be desperate to re-marry any time soon, it is equally true that no one, including her, (or you, if you have recently gone through a dvorce), knows what the future may hold.

So, that is why, in my opinion, as an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney, Ms. Longoria gave a truthful response to a dumb question!

Rumors of Celebrity Separations and Divorce: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

[Photo from wikipedia]

I am a big fan of actor Will Smith.  While I wasn't crazy about his television series, Fresh Prince of Belair, I have really enjoyed several of his fantastic movies, including Men in Black and I Am Legend.  So, I really hated to hear and read the reported Hollywood gossip about alleged problems in his 13 year marriage to fine actress Jada Pinkett Smith.  I also hate it that, whether or not any of the rumors are true, the Hollywood press probably won't leave the couple alone.

We have discussed in this divorce blog before about all the stressors placed by Hollywood and by acting careers on celebrity marriages.  Look, celebrity couples can have marital problems just like everyone else.  And it may be true that many celebrity marriages do end in separation and divorce.  But not all celebrity marriages end in separation or divorce.  And it is equally true that it is a shame that Hollywood couples generally find it much more difficult than most other couples to address any potential issues in private.

Here's hoping that this fine acting couple will find some peace and happiness!  What do you think?  Don't you agree that, generally, the media spotlight could exacerbate any potential marital problems?

Celebrity Divorces: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

[Photo of Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance from Wikipedia]

Have you heard?  Tomorrow, August 6, 2011, would have been the 100th birthday of talented actress and business mogul Lucille Ball!  Sadly, Ms. Ball, one of my favoriote comedians, died of an aneurysm back in 1989. 

I won't bore you with a lot of facts about her incredible life and Hollywood career.  But did you know that her original television series, I Love Lucy, aired 180 episodes between 1951 and 1957?  Did you also know that Ms. Ball and her first husband, (and co-star), Desi Arnaz, were married in 1940 and divorced in 1960?  Ms. Ball later married a comic/businessman, Gary Morton, with whom she lived at the time of her death.

Most of you probably know that Ms. Ball was a trail blazer as a television business woman and founder of Desilu film production company.  But did you know that, early in her career, Lucy starred in different films with both the Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers?  

However, that's enough, today, of the facts about the stellar career of Lucille Ball. Today, I mainly just want to say: thank you, "Happy Birthday," and "I Love Lucy!"

Surprising Celebrity Separations and Divorce: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

[Photo of Lopez and Anthony from Wikipedia]

Have you seen the latest edition of Vanity Fair?  According to various news reports, talented singer and American Idol Judge Jennifer Lopez explains in Vanity Fair exactly why she and her husband of 7 years, Marc Anthony, recently split up.  Among other reported reasons, Ms. Lopez indicated essentially that she realized she wasn't being treated properly and that she loved herself too much not to walk away.

What is your opinion of these cited reasons for this celebrity split?  Also, have you noticed a trend these days that, after a separation or a divorce, many celebrities ultimately "go public" about the splitup, either in interviews, with celebrity interviewers like Oprah, or in "tell-all" books or magazines?

What do you think about this practice of celebrities "going public," rather than keeping such matters private?  Of course, in their defense, because they are in the public eye, many celebrities probably realize that if they don't tell their side of it, then somebody else will gossip about it, or make up something anyway!  So, perhaps celebrities might as well tell the truth and hope it slows down the rumor mills and "inquiring minds."  What do you think?

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Schwarzenegger and Shriver

[Photo from Wikipedia]

According to various news reports, Maria Shriver has finally filed for divorce this week from former California Governor, and actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Of course, we do not need to repeat here again all the salacious information "out there" about the former governor's adultery and love child.  I am sure you are already familiar with it.  This divorce filing appears only to be the latest stage in this ongoing celebrity separation and divorce saga.

One interesting new aspect of this case involves news reports that Ms. Shriver may be entitled, under California law, to an estimated $200 million from the marital estate.  Of course, no doubt, both Schwarzenegger and Shriver will have good divorce lawyers to resolve such issues.  And we can all be confident that divorce attorneys for each side will ensure that neither party will miss a meal after the divorce is final!
The State of Georgia, unlike California, is not a community property state.  However, in Georgia divorces, generally, Georgia judges will nonetheless attempt to equitably divide marital property, if the parties cannot resolve it.

Here's hoping that the former governor and Maria Shriver, and their divorce lawyers, will be able to amicably resolve all the remaining issues in their divorce.

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Schwarzenegger and Shriver

[Photo from Wikipedia]

Just when we thought the Arnold Schwarzenegger adultery and separation saga had exhausted all its twists and turns, now, we hear reports that the former governor's housekeeper has agreed to an interview and reportedly discussed details of their relationship with the media.  The housekeeper, identified in various reports as Patricia Baena, has even described how she allegedly broke the news of the affair to Maria Shriver.  Also, photographs of the alleged love child are now reportedly circulating throughout the news media and internet.  Where and when will it all end?

Doesn't it sometimes seem to you that news stories, like this one, and like the story involving Congressman Anthony Weiner, often develop a life of their own?  And it appears that some in the news media keep fanning the flames.  In other words, doesn't it appear that the news media will sometimes keep such salacious news stories alive with a constant daily drip of "new" information, so that they can simply sell more rags and generate high ratings?

The media frenzy also makes it much more difficult for celebrities than others who go through separation and divorce.  Don't you agree?  

Hollywood's Most Shocking Breakups

[Photo from TVGN]

I am not in the habit of promoting television programs in this blog.  As you know, we are Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyers who primarily offer practical child custody, alimony, and other divorce-related tips for you to discuss with your own divorce attorney. 

But we also offer discussions about celebrity divorces in the news, too.  Recently, for example, we have discussed, along with many others, the Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separation. 

Today, as I browsed through the T.V. Guide listings, I ran across a listing for an interesting looking t.v. program which will run tonight on the TVGN network.  The program focuses on twenty-five of Hollywood's "most shocking breakups," from Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, to Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. 

I don't know about you, but for me, an Augusta Georgia divorce attorney, that's what I call "must-see t.v.!"  Which celebrity couple divorces or split-ups would make your top 10, or top 25, lists?

How Often Do Men (and Women) Cheat?

[Image from heartandsoulreflections.com]

We have seen a lot in the news media lately about the topics of adultery and children being born out of wedlock.  I would imagine some of you are immediately thinking about the case of former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  I have certainly posted here about issues presented by his separation and alleged infidelity lately!  But, of course, Mr. Schwarzenegger is not the first wealthy man to admit to infidelity, or to get caught "running around," is he? 

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we often see allegations of adultery, cheating, or "fooling around."  In this divorce law blog, we have also occasionally discussed the amount of proof which is necessary in order to prove adultery, which is a fault ground for a divorce in Georgia.

But just how common is adultery?  According to once source, http://www.truthaboutdeception.com/, between 30% and 60% of all married people will commit adultery at some point.  (Do you believe the actual number of cheaters is at the high end or low end of this range?)  In addition, up to 3% of all children are allegedly the product of an adulterous relationship.  And get this, according to this source, most of these children who are born out of wedlock are unwittingly raised by the married partner who is not their biological father. 

I guess the point of this post is that, while we may read about celebrity adultery, these celebrities certainly did not invent it.  "For better of for worse," adultery and children being born out of wedlock are quite common and occur in all parts of our society.  They always have been and always will be.  What do you think?

Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Schwarzenegger and Shriver

[Photo from Wikipedia]

Yesterday, according to various news reports, a representative for former Governor Arnold Scwarzenegger announced that the actor and former governor will delay his film career comeback.  Apparently, he is simply temporarily putting his acting career on hold while he deals with troubles associated with his separation from Maria Shriver, his wife of 25 years.  At the same time, various news reports further indicate that Ms. Shriver has reportedly hired a California divorce attorney.

Who knows what might happen next in that ongoing salacious celebrity saga.  But let's lay aside the specific facts of that situation and talk a little bit about similar issues confronted by other "regular folks" going through a divorce or separation.

Mr. Schwarzenegger's delay of his movie career illustrates a problem common to many separating or divorcing couples.  Don't you agree that it would be tough -- both emotionally and time-wise -- for anyone to attempt to deal with a separation or divorce, while also attempting to juggle job pressures and deadlines?  Just imagine how tough it would be for you to have to go to work every day, while also dealing with child custody and visitation issues, along with financial pressures common to most divorces?  But the point is that, generally, most "regular folks" have no choice.  They must deal with both -- the pressures of their split-up and their job pressures.  Most folks cannot put their day jobs on hold. 

So, arguably, while no separation or divorce is easy, at least the former governor can afford to take some time off while he confronts his personal life's challenges.  That is good for him.  But that is a luxury that many divorcing couples simply cannot afford.  What do you think?

Back To Divorce Tip Basics: Documenting Everything!

[Image from librarythinkquest.org]

Okay, okay!  I realize that this is not merely a divorce blog about celebrity divorces and separations!  Instead, I know that I am only an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney who primarily focuses on writing about practical divorce tips for you to discuss with your own divorce lawyer!  Maybe I have just gotten too carried away, recently, by all the big news reports coming out of California about the separation of former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his spouse, Maria Shriver!

But today, let's get back to basics!  Let's talk a little bit about the importance of documenting things while you are going through a divorce.  (Of course, this post assumes that you have a private, secure place to make and keep a journal.  Please first ask your own divorce lawyer about this issue before you do anything.) 

For example, let's assume that you and your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," are going through a series of problems dealing with child visitation.  The point here is that you should regularly document each of these problems in a journal, notebook, or some other writing.  For instance, if Sluggo tells you, on Wednesday, that he will pick up the little darlings on Thursday, and then he fails to do so, and he doesn't even call you, then you should write it all down.  Document it!  Later, you can show your journal to your divorce lawyer.  And don't you see the potential benefit?  The important benefit is that, if you, unlike Sluggo, have documented, by date, each problem, or confrontation, then later, when you get to court, your attorney might very will be better prepared to prove your side of the case!

Can't you visualize your divorce attorney grilling your spouse on cross-examination?  "Mr. Sluggo, isn't it true that, on February 12th, you agreed to pick up the kids on the 13th, and then you failed to show up?"   

So, please consider, with your divorce lawyer, the idea of documenting all your encounters, or problems, with your spouse!  Now, I wonder if there is anything else new in the Schwarzenegger separation!

Biggest Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver

[Photo from Wikipedia]

Wow!  Just when you thought things were bad enough for former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, we now hear the news reports today in which Schwarzenegger reportedly acknowledges a past alleged relationship with a former household staff member and that this relationship produced a love child a decade ago!  You will recall that, earlier, this past week, the former governor and his wife of 25 years, Maria Shriver, had publicly announced their separation.  Thereafter, we have now heard this stunning revelation today about the alleged cause of the celebrity couple's split.

Hopefully, the paparazzi will honor requests made by both Schwarzenegger and Shriver for privacy for her and the couple's four children.  Of course, we can also hope that the media will also leave alone the former staff member and her child, too.  But we won't hold our collective breaths, will we?

As we have seen before, it is bad enough when things like this occur in the marriage of any average citizen.  And adultery, infidelity, cheating, "fooling around," or whatever you want to call it, do occur "out there," don't they?  But perhaps the public scrutiny and, in particular, the relentless probing by the paparazzi, often only compound the problems in celebrity marriages.  In many respects, this is a sad situation with complicated issues.  Hopefully, the parties involved will be able to address the tough issues involved, as best they can.  Don't you agree?

Biggest Celebrity Divorces and Separations: From Tiger Woods to Arnold Schwarzenegger



[Photo from Wikipedia]

As you know, this blog primarily focuses on practical divorce tips and information about divorce which you should discuss with your own divorce lawyer.  We are The Goolsby Law Firm, LLC -- father and son divorce attorneys -- located in Augusta, Georgia.  But in this blog, we also try to "jazz it up" a bit by discussing issues presented by various celebrity divorces and separations which might also help you with issues in your own divorce.

Another common thread or theme which runs thoughout this divorce, or family law, blog concerns the fact that Hollywood puts a lot of stress on celebrity marriages.  This has always been true, don't you agree?  And it is equally true that Hollywood is always producing bigger and bigger divorce cases!

Just look at some of the high profile celebrity divorce and/or separation cases we have witnessed in the past year alone!  For instance, in the past year, we have seen, among others, the divorces of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, and Sandra Bullock and Jesse James, along with the separations of Larry King, Courtney Cox, Elizabeth Hurley, and many other celebrities.  And now, according to news reports, (and as we discussed yesterday), we are apparently witnessing the separation of actor and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. 

Which recent celebrity divorce or separation, in your opinion, has attracted the most attention?  Which recent celebrity divorce or separation surprized you the most?

In conclusion, it appears that some things in life just never change: death, taxes, celebrity divorces, and blogs about family law and celebrity divorces!



Celebrity Divorces and Separations: Schwarzenegger and Shriver

[Photo from Wikipedia]

Did you hear the latest celebrity news from California?  According to various reports, actor-former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his spouse, Maria Shriver, have separated.  Of course, with the former governor moving back into acting, after a busy political career, this is a time of stressful transition for the couple.  According to reports, they have been married for 25 years and have four children.

At this time, the couple has reportedly only separated.  Divorce has not been publicly mentioned.  Only they should know about or decide what happens next.  But doesn't this case once again illustrate that celebrity couples generally face the same issues as other couples?  Career changes and other life transitions can be difficult for anyone.  However, celebrity couples must also contend with the added stressors associated with public life, too! 

Here's hoping that, after 25 years of marriage and four kids, they will deal with the transition and find the right answers for them!  

Celebrity Divorces: Marie Osmond

                               [Photo from Wikipedia]

Have you heard the news reports about popular singer Marie Osmond?  According to various reports, earlier today, she remarried her first husband, Stephen Craig, in Las Vegas, (where she is currently performing with her celebrity brother, Donnie Osmond).  Significantly, Ms. Osmond and Mr. Craig had been married before, in 1982, and then they had divorced, in 1985.  The couple had one child, who is now reportedly 28 years old.  Ms. Osmond also had another previous marriage to another man, prior to today's remarriage, which had also ended in divorce, about four years ago. 

According to http://www.healthcareinfo.org/ and other sources, roughly  55% of men and 44% of women over the age of 25 generally remarry after a divorce.  Of course, one can reasonably guess that only a small percentage of men and women end up remarrying their former marriage partners after a divorce.  After all, unlike in Osmond's case, if you ever get free of your own worthless spouse, "Sluggo," you aren't likely to want to get hitched with that ole' nag again!

Here's hoping that Ms. Osmond and her "new-old" husband find happiness together again!

Celebrity Divorces: James Brown

                                                   [Photo from Wikipedia]

Today is the birthday of James Brown, the late, great singer and "Godfather of Soul!"  Brown, who grew up in Augusta, Georgia, (where I am a divorce lawyer), was born on this date in 1933.  The still popular American icon died on December 25, 2006.  While alive, Brown was noted for being "the hardest working man in show business."  Locally, Brown was also well respected for his charitable work, including an annual turkey give-away each Thanksgiving.  Brown never forgot where he came from!

Like many celebrities, James Brown also experienced some marital problems, which, according to Wikipedia, resulted in two divorces.

But today, as an Augusta, Georgia lawyer, who is proud to be "living in America," (which is the name of one of Brown's biggest hits), and who is also happy to live in Mr. Brown's hometown, I mainly just wanted to recognize him on his birthday!  Happy Birthday, James Brown! 

Celebrity Divorce and Theatrics: From Sheen to Cage

                                                [Photo from history.com]

Folks, what is going on with Hollywood actors these days?  This is a humble divorce blog written by an Augusta, Georgia divorce lawyer.  Here, in past posts, we have often dealt with some of the domestic relations challenges faced by various celebrities.  The common theme has been that celebrities often face the same family law problems confronted by ordinary people.  But somehow, it seems to me that, lately, things have really gotten unusually bizarre in Hollywood!
1. The Nicolas Cage Incident:

For example, a few days ago, one of my favorite Hoolywood actors, Nicolas Cage, was reportedly arrested in new Orleans on charges of disorderly conduct and domestic abuse. 
2. The Latest Charlie Sheen Case:
And just yesterday, according to TMZ and other news sources, actor Charlie Sheen and one of his exes, Brooke Mueller, reportedly returned to court to address Sheen's request for a change of custody of their children.  According to various reports, the judge reportedly maintained the status quo, (and left the kids with Mueller), in spite of the alleged reports, or accusations, about drugs involving each of the parties.

Of course, no one really knows what happened in either of these celebrity cases.  News reports sometimes get the facts wrong, don't they?  Also, we should generally accept such "news" reports with a jaundiced eye, anyway.  Don't you agree?

But I'll bet you will also agree that, no matter what really happened in either of these cases, there appear to be some strange "goins on" in Hollywood these days!  

Celebrity Divorces: Elizabeth Hurley

Have you heard the news about talented actress Elizabeth Hurley?  According to various news reports, Ms. Hurley has filed for a divorce this week in London from her husband, Arun Nayer.  The couple had married in 2007.  Of course, everyone also remembers Ms. Hurley as the former girl friend of actor Hugh Grant.

Over the years, Elizabeth Hurley has portrayed a number of movie villains, including her portrayal of Delilah, (in Samson and Delilah), and the Devil, (in Bedazzled).  Ms. Hurley has also reportedly been cast as the villain in the upcoming Wonder Woman t.v. series. 

However, in real life, Elizabeth Hurley is no villain!  No one can surpass her heroic work, as a volunteer for various children's charities, and in her noble fight against breast cancer, (as shown in the above recent photograph, taken at a charitable event for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, (see Wikipedia).

As we have seen before, divorce knows no boundaries.  Divorce can strike both the celebrity and the average citizen -- the hero and the villain.  In the case of Ms. Hurley, a real hero, in my book, hopefully, she will overcome her current problems and find happiness.

Divorce and Television Programs: "Happily Divorced"

For better or for worse, divorce is a part of our social fabric and culture, including the t.v. programs we watch.  Did you hear about the new t.v. sitcom, Happily Divorced, starring actress Fran Drescher, (The Nanny), which is slated to premiere later this year?  In the new sitcom, Drescher plays a character who is returning to single life after discovering her husband is gay.  According to various news reports, the premise of the sitcom is based upon Ms. Drescher's own life.  As an Augusta, Georgia divorce attorney, and as a fan of Drescher, I look forward to giving this new t.v. show a shot!  How about you?

Celebrity Divorces and Reconciliations: Billy Ray Cyrus and Acky-Breaky Hearts

Did you hear the good news out of Hollywood?  According to various news reports, country music singer Billy Ray Cyrus and his spouse have reconciled and reportedly dismissed their divorce case!  Also, Cyrus has announced that he and his actress-singer daughter, Miley Cyrus, have also reportedly patched up any problems or issues between them and that they are getting along better than ever--better than before their Hannah Montana days, according to Cyrus. 

We have all heard (and discussed here) about so many Hollywood marriages ending up on the rocks.  Here's hoping that this Hollywood marriage and some really nice folks--the Cyruses--will overcome their past "acky-breaky hearts" and find happiness together!