There are currently business owners in New Jersey who are preparing to navigate the family justice system. Many have filed for divorce and are in need of guidance and legal support regarding financial, business ownership and property division issues. In addition to these topics, many business owners are also parents who must negotiate a settlement regarding child support and custody of their children.
Jeff Bezos is the founder and CEO of Amazon.com. He is reportedly the wealthiest man in the world. He is currently said to own 16 percent of the shares in his company; he also happens to live in a state that operates under community property laws in divorce, which means marital assets are typically split 50/50. He and his wife have four children together, so custody and visitation will likely be a main concern in their negotiations.
As spouses in this state have often experienced in the past, the Bezos’ divorce has been clouded by rumors of an extramarital affair. A popular gossip magazine reportedly claimed to have evidence that Bezos and a former TV anchor are romantically involved. This prompted Bezos to issue a public statement, saying he has no intention of giving in to extortion, which is what he claims the the magazine’s officials are doing.
New Jersey business owners can protect their interests in divorce by signing prenuptial or post-nuptial agreements. In Bezos’ case, if Mackenzie Bezos gets 8 percent of her husband’s Amazon shares, she will undoubtedly become the richest woman in the world. Even in community property states (which this state is not), such issues can take weeks or months to litigate, although having an experienced family law attorney by one’s side may help expedite the process.