Former Dodgers owner discusses lessons learned from divorce

Relationship problems can affect anyone, in Louisiana or elsewhere. However, when those issues arise during the course of a marriage, divorce may be on the horizon, meaning that the couple may need to start considering several divorce legal issues. How these matters are handled can paint the path for one’s post-divorce life, so it is critical that they are carefully addressed. However, even steps taken immediately after marriage and during the course of the relationship before a split can have a significant impact on the outcome of a divorce.

Jamie McCourt, former wife of Frank McCourt and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, learned this the hard way. McCourt says that she was taken advantage of during the divorce because she neglected to pay attention to her family’s financial situation. Throughout the course of their 32 years of marriage, the McCourts co-mingled their funds, rendering it marital property and subject to equitable division. Additionally, Jamie McCourt was unaware of the selling price of the Dodgers, a whopping $2.1 billion, and sought an additional $131 million after discovering it. That request, however, was denied.

There are many factors that come into play when property is subject to division. Whether a couple owns a baseball team, or barely enough for a ball, the outcome of property division can be crucial, setting the stage for their post-divorce financial stability. Therefore, when negotiating a divorce settlement or arguing in front of a judge, an individual must make sure to address as many of these factors as possible. They may include length of the marriage, whether property was kept separate throughout a marriage, and the financial resources of each spouse.

To ensure that an individual can reach as favorable an outcome as possible under the circumstances, he or she should consider acquiring the services of an experienced Louisiana attorney. During a time of emotional extremes, an attorney can help an individual see the situation clearly and can advocate for what is fair and deserved.

Source: The Los Angeles Times, “Jamie McCourt on lesson learned from divorce, the Dodgers and pink slips,” Steve Dilbeck, Jan. 13, 2016