Hard hitting Dodger Owners, Frank and Jamie McCourt, have begun the first inning of their divorce battle in the Los Angeles Court System and I've been asked to comment further on who has the winning strategy in regard to the million dollar settlement demands.
To determine this, one should look at how much is enough? The average American brings home around $2,500 a month, but Jamie McCourt, the estranged wife of Dodger owner Frank McCourt, is looking for much more than that. Frank McCourt has initially offered her $150,000 a month, to which she countered with $1,000,000 a month to pay for the lavish and debt-fueled lifestyle they each have become accustomed to. In addition to the divorce case, whose official proceedings just began in late March, is another case between the couple determining whether the rightful owner, or owners, of the Los Angeles Dodgers is both individuals. With stakes this high, it's anyone's guess as to who will win the case.
This is an extremely interesting topic, considering there is a huge difference between Temporary Spousal Support, which Jamie is requesting, and Permanent Support. The amount awarded in divorce proceedings can significantly increase for Temporary Spousal Support, given its brief nature. With Temporary Support, Commissioner Gordon has more discretion to consider not only the income of both Parties, but also the Standard of Living and the high wages of Frank which can change the normal scope of awarding spousal support. Jamie McCourt's focus on the McCourts' Standard of Living, which is luxurious to say the least, on Frank McCourt's multimillion dollar income, and on the California Family Code Section 4320 Factors (generally reserved for trial) should help her case.
On the other hand, Frank McCourt's team will counter that Jamie McCourt's requests are unreasonable. Frank will argue, which his attorneys have pointed out, that Jamie is in 'Fairy Tale Land' and that their previous luxurious lifestyle does not support her request of 1 million dollars. The alleged continued use of private jets, luxury vacations, etc. by the McCourts does not help the situation! If Frank McCourt wants to paint a picture of his estranged wife's unrealistic view of their Standard of Living, he has to tone down his current lifestyle to help his case.
As to which number, $150,000 or $1 million, would most likely prevail? It is important to note that the Parties have a very skilled Judicial Officer who will analyze every aspect of this case, and if the Parties cannot decide on a number, Commissioner Gordon will definitely decide for them. With disparate figures such as these, it's anyone's guess as to whether either Jamie or Frank McCourt will be able to strike a deal. Play ball!