Individuals in Connecticut who are involved in a contentious divorce may be interested in a recent ruling in the case of Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. McCourt, who had been married for almost 30 years, reached a divorce settlement with his former wife in 2012. However, the woman contested the settlement after McCourt sold the Major League Baseball team to another party for $2 billion.
The woman, who had been involved in operating the team, attempted to have the terms of the divorce settlement changed after the sale, suggesting that her former husband had understated the team’s value during the property division. She had been awarded $131 million untaxed and was given sole ownership over a number of luxury homes that the former couple had purchased during their marriage. In September 2013, the judge hearing the case rejected the claim.
After that ruling, the man sought nearly $2 million from his wife in attorneys’ fees. According to the original divorce settlement, the party who attempts to contest the agreement will be responsible for the costs incurred by the other party. While the woman claimed that the amount was unreasonable in April, the judge hearing the case ruled in favor of McCourt and ordered her to pay $1.9 million.
A high-asset divorce can become contentious as both parties attempt to retain a share of the marital estate. Those who become involved in such disputes might benefit from working with family law attorneys who could provide representation and advice throughout proceedings. Each spouse is generally advised to retain separate legal counsel.
Source: ABC News, “Judge Favors Frank McCourt in Divorce Fees Fight“, Anthony McCartney, June 26, 2014
