Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is divorcing her husband of seven years, Marc Anthony. The couple had dated briefly in the 1990s and then rekindled their romance in 2004. They were married in a secret ceremony at Lopez's Beverly Hills home in June 2004. Lopez, 41, gave birth to the couple's two children, twins Max and Emme, in February 2008. It was Lopez's third marriage and the second for Anthony, 42.
The rumors and speculation have begun, but to Ms. Lopez's credit, it appears she has handled the matter with dignity by reaching an out of court settlement prior to making any divorce plans public. She sets a good example for those who are considering divorce. Many celebrities have come to realize how harmful an ugly divorce can be to their image and do everything possible to settle all personal details out of court.
These cases are typically handled quickly, and often cost much less in legal fees than divorces for the average person. A divorce case in California is open to the public. The court cannot seal records except in rare situations. Detailed financial information and allegations about infidelity and the treatment of children, whether true or false, are made public for all to see when people use the court system to resolve their divorce.
The irony is that many of these high profile celebrities have found a way to resolve their cases privately and quietly but the rest of us as private citizens find it necessary to air out our lives noisily in the court of public opinion, costing in dollars and sense.
This is why it's important to work with a family law attorney who is focused on settling matters quickly thus helping you make a fresh start and move on with your life as painlessly as possible.