Jeff Bezos is the 54-year-old founder of Amazon. He recently tweeted that he and his wife, MacKenzie, have decided to divorce. Many news followers in New Jersey and beyond are projecting that it will be the most expensive marital breakup in history.
Two issues that often complicate cases like the Bezos situation are marriage longevity and high-net worth assets. Bezos and his wife have been married 25 years. The longer a couple is married, the more assets they typically acquire, thus adding to the challenge of property division proceedings. In this state, the court operates under equitable property distribution guidelines, which means a judge overseeing a particular case has full discretion to determine a fair division of all marital assets and liabilities.
Bezos had nothing but nice things to say about his soon-to-be ex wife, including that even if they would have known their marriage would one day end in divorce, they would do it all again. He is currently listed as the wealthiest person in the world. Bezos is filing for divorce in Washington, which is unlike New Jersey in that it uses community property guidelines, meaning marital assets are split 50/50 in divorce.
That fact has left many readers wondering whether Bezos and his wife signed a prenuptial agreement before they wed. No information has been provided to confirm or deny the issue. Any spouse in New Jersey, whether preparing a high net worth case or simply trying to work through legal challenges regarding less complex issues may seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney who is well-versed in property division laws and all other aspects of divorce.