Some individuals may tire of hearing about celebrity divorces, but they can serve as powerful examples of legal battles in which any divorcing couple can become embroiled. Celebrities, just like every day average Arkansas residents, often must deal with property division, child custody, child support, visitation rights, and spousal support. The increased media attention paid to these high-profile divorces allows individuals who may not be familiar with divorce’s legal issues to become familiar with the process.
As readers of this blog may know, one of these divorces involves famed director and actor Clint Eastwood. In October, his wife, Dina Eastwood, filed for divorce, claiming irreconcilable differences and seeking full custody of the couple’s 17-year old daughter. Recently, however, Clint Eastwood apparently filed legal documents in an effort to deny his wife spousal support. This issue is far from over, and may become a point of contention amongst the marriage’s dissolution.
Alimony can be a pivotal issue to both parties during a divorce. For the party seeking support, these payments can help compensate for time during the marriage during which the spouse forewent career advancement in able to care for the home. These payments often allow the receiving party to maintain his or her standard of living, which is often fair especially when that party helped the paying party obtain his or her current economic status.
The issue can be just as important for those who may be forced to pay support. These payments may drastically impact the individual’s ability to start his or her new life, and he or she may feel as if the other party is not entitled to such payments.
When emotions run high during a dispute like spousal support, parties should seek legal representation to further their interests. An attorney can aid in negotiations or, if necessary, can present legal arguments in court. Hopefully then a fair resolution will be reached that will ease the parties transition into his or her new life.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Clint Eastwood Denies Dina Eastwood’s Request For Spousal Support,” Dec. 20, 2013
