Many of our readers may have seen the recent news that actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has filed for divorce from his wife of 22 years. The couple, who met in high school, legally separated in 2014. In his divorce filing, the 49-year-old actor is seeking to keep all his earnings after the couple separated. He has also requested joint physical and legal custody of the couple’s 11-year-old daughter. The couple also shares two adult children. There are many important issues to resolve during a divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support and property division.
The family law process provides resources for divorcing spouses to help protect themselves and reach resolutions concerning the divorce-related issues and concerns the soon-to-be ex-spouses may have. In California, community property laws are followed concerning the division of property. However, they may not apply to earnings following a legal separation, so it is helpful for divorcing spouses to be familiar with legal options available to help protect them.
In addition, a child custody plan may come in a variety of different arrangements and there are different types of custody to be familiar, with including legal custody and physical custody. Physical custody can include sole custody or joint custody. It is important for divorcing parents to sort out what is best for their children and develop a comprehensive parenting plan that includes custody and visitation arrangements.
The family law process provides resources for families in different situations and circumstances to reach child custody arrangements that are best for them. Divorcing parents should familiarize themselves with the divorce process as much as possible, which can serve as a guide to resolving the divorce-related issues that most concern them.
Source: Us Weekly, “Cuba Gooding Jr. Files for Divorce From Wife Sara Kapfer After 22 Years of Marriage: Report,” Sierra Marquina, Jan. 19, 2017