Shaquille O'Neal's wife Va'Shaundya (Shaunie) has filed legal papers in L.A., even though the couple lives in Florida. Shaunie pulled her kids out of school in Florida recently and they are with her now in L.A. Shaq's people think the sudden flight across country to L.A. is all about the money.
Why would Shaunie go to the other side of the country to file in L.A.? In California and in Los Angeles, there is no residency requirement to file for Legal Separation. And if she files for Legal Separation, which she can later amend to a dissolution (divorce) after she meets the residency requirements, she can also request spousal support, and child support, etc.
The petition says that although Shaunie is filing for legal separation, she intends to file for divorce. She states "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for separation. THIS IS BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T MEET THE REQUIREMENTS YET.
Shaunie claims in her papers to be a resident of L.A. since November 8, 2009.
The date of separation is listed as 11-9-09. The couple has 4 minor children (between 3 and 9 years old). Shaunie wants full legal and physical custody of all the kids.
Shaq and Shaunie tied the knot on December 26, 2002 a total of 6 years, 11 months marriage. Perhaps it's a case of the seven year itch?
It is the second time there has been a separation filing between Shaq and Shaunie - the first time was in September 2007, when Shaq filed for divorce. A few months later, the couple decided to withdraw the filing and try to work through their differences. It appears that idea was short-lived.
Shaquille is a 15-time NBA all-star is currently in the midst of his first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He owns four NBA championship rings between his days with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.