Celebrity Divorces During COVID-19: What You Can Learn From Their Mistakes

Cordell & Cordell’s most recent Virtual Town Hall about divorce during COVID-19 took a deep dive into some recent celebrity divorces that have made headlines and compared how the issues in those cases could be applied to just about any divorce.

No matter how much money you have, divorce can cause a sense of panic. That is magnified in the current environment as the COVID-19 pandemic is adding financial stress to 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.”

Avoid social media

By dissecting the divorce case of former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler and “Laguna Beach” star Kristin Cavallari, the panel examined the dangers of social media use during a divorce.

“There’s really no upside to using social media during a divorce,” Cordell & Cordell Oklahoma Senior Lead Litigator Ron Gore said. “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,” Mr. Gore 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 out on parenting time

The panel also looked at the divorce case of singer Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. Ms. Stefani moved to Oklahoma with her children in order to quarantine, but that has prevented Mr. Rossdale from being able to receive his court-ordered parenting time.

This is a dilemma many fathers across the country are facing as they are seeing access to their children cut off and 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 some cases, lost 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.”

It is extremely important to be proactive in filing regarding these matters. To prove to the court that you have a pressing need that should be addressed, it has to be on file.

If you are in need of legal assistance, contact Cordell & Cordell attorneys for help with your divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, modification, or any other family law issue.

Cordell & Cordell continues to produce daily podcasts and weekly virtual town halls to address your questions and concerns about divorce during the Coronavirus pandemic. You can view all past content on the COVID-19 and Divorce Information Hub.