by Philip A. Wasserman, Esq.
Does it really cost $19 million to get divorced in Los Angeles? According to the March 6, 2010, Los Angeles Times, that is how much Frank and Jamie McCourt’s divorce could end up costing. As the Times points out, that is more than the Dodgers will spend on their starting infield this season. My initial reaction to reading that story on an overcast and rainy Saturday morning: You’ve got to be kidding me! No way! Get out! So how many of the destitute in Haiti could be saved with $19 million dollars? Of course, the same argument could be made about the cost of an average litigated divorce in Los Angeles, which is $50,000.00…if you are lucky. Frank and Jamie have hired multiple law firms and forensic accountants. We’re told that the ownership of the Dodgers is at stake because Frank McCourt contends that he has a post-nuptial agreement that makes him the sole owner of the Dodgers. Jamie McCourt contends the post-nuptial is no good, and that makes the Dodgers community property, which means she owns one-half of the team. It appears that the McCourt’s have the money to spend, all $19 million of it, and the lawyers and accountants will help them spend it, presumably wisely. The Times headline said, “Cost of owners’ split seems out of the ballpark.” That may be the understatement of the season. The McCourt’s apparently have the ability to spend $19 million to see who gets the Dodgers, but I doubt the average middle class couple can afford $50,000.00 or more to litigate their differences. My advice is simple: Try mediation or collaborative divorce first. If you and your spouse are successful, you’ll save enough money to fund your children’s college educations and still have money left over for Dodger tickets, a couple Dodger dogs and beers.
For more information, please call Philip A. Wasserman at 661-294-8484 or email him at paw@santaclaritafamilylaw.com.
