In Cordell & Cordell’s latest Virtual Town Hall about divorce during COVID-19, the firm’s divorce attorneys examined some recent celebrity divorces that have made headlines and explained what lessons could be applied to regular cases.
No matter how much money you have, divorce is a time of turmoil. The economic uncertainty is even greater during the Coronavirus pandemic as the virus has strained the finances of millions of Americans.
“The same mistakes that celebrities make are the same that guys watching [the webinar] right now make,” Cordell & Cordell Managing Partner/CEO Scott Trout said. “That’s why I think it’s so relevant to look at what’s in the public eye. Learn from what they’re doing, and don’t make those same mistakes.”
Ditch social media
The panel of divorce attorneys discussed the breakup of former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler and “Laguna Beach” star Kristin Cavallari to illustrate how social media use can be dangerous during a family law issue.
“There’s really no upside to using social media during a divorce,” said a Cordell & Cordell divorce attorney. “The courts already know that even if you come across well in your social media posts, you’re on stage, and you’re probably acting at your best, hopefully.
“We also are all human, and we all have times, especially in difficult times like a divorce, that we’re not acting as well as we would like toward each other,” he said. “So if you’re acting well, the court may think ‘Oh, it’s just an act. If you’re acting poorly, the court may think ‘They can’t even control their behavior when they know everybody’s seeing it. What are they doing?’ Since there’s no upside and lots of downside, it’s not a good idea.”
Missing parenting time
The panel also dissected the divorce of singer Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. Ms. Stefani moved with her children to Oklahoma during the pandemic to quarantine, but that has caused Mr. Rossdale to miss out on his court-ordered parenting time.
Many parents across the U.S. are being denied access to their children with the pandemic being used as the excuse.
“It’s not legal to deny any custody or parenting time,” Cordell & Cordell New Jersey Senior Litigation Attorney Diana Megalla said. “As long as there’s a court order, that court order is place, until there is a new court order or written agreement.”
In many instances, missed parenting time can be made up at a later date.
“I had a case not too long ago, where we had to file a motion for family access, and it was granted,” Cordell & Cordell Missouri divorce attorney Igers Vangjeli said. “Parenting time can be made up, if you file.”
The key is to make sure you are proactive in filing so that your issue is documented. If you need help with any divorce issue during this uncertain time, get in touch with the divorce lawyers of Cordell & Cordell.
