It can be easy to assume that wealthy people have it easier than others. Some may even believe that rich people are above the law, or that they can receive special treatment based on the size of their bank account. Of course, this is not the case: Nobody is above the law in New Jersey. And when it comes to divorce, being wealthy could potentially turn out to be more than it’s worth.
The purpose of alimony is to ensure that a lower-earning spouse can still maintain the standard of living that he or she became accustomed to during a marriage. This often means that the wealthier spouse must pay a portion of his or her income in a divorce settlement. Fortunately for wealthy individuals, they can protect their assets with a prenuptial agreement. A divorce settlement between a reality TV star and an NFL quarterback recently showed the benefits of a prenup.
Kordell Stewart filed for divorce last year, stating that his marriage with Porsha Williams was irretrievably broken. A settlement was reached earlier this year which leaves Williams with her engagement ring, her personal items and not much else. Thanks to a prenuptial agreement, Stewart will probably not have to forfeit any of his assets or earnings to his ex-wife once the divorce is finalized.
High-asset divorce cases often carry an even greater risk than average divorces. Multiple houses, expensive cars and other multimillion-dollar assets can be hotly contested between the divorcing couple. While mediation is recommended to keep a divorce as amicable as possible, sometimes mediation is not enough. If you have a prenuptial agreement to protect your assets, then you’re one step ahead of the game, but if you don’t, then you should consider seeking experienced legal counsel to help you receive what you deserve out of a divorce settlement.
Source: International Business Times, “What Will Porsha Get In Divorce From Kordell Stewart? ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ Star Reaches Settlement,” Amethyst Tate, March 12, 2014