Celebrity Divorce: LeAnn Rimes -- Is There Still Any Social Stigma Attached to Divorce or Adultery?

Have you seen or read about People Magazine's latest article about country music singer LeAnn Rimes? According to published reports, it appears that Ms. Rimes is taking responsibility for the widely reported divorce and break-up of her marriage, after reports surfaced that she was having an affair with actor Eddie Cibrian, (who, like Rimes, was also then married). According to various news reports, Rimes and Cibrian are now a couple. Frankly, I don't know whether this is all a p.r. campaign, or whether this is heartfelt contrition. But I really don't care either. That is for others to decide. In other words, I have a different point to make here.

Laying aside any questions, or issues, about Ms. Rimes' alleged adultery, divorce, and contrition, that case raises the following interesting issues:

In your opinion, is there less social stigma today about a person committing adultery than twenty-five years ago? If so, is that a good thing?

Also, is there a different moral standard for celebrities?

Finally, don't you agree that there is clearly less social stigma attached to divorce, generally? And isn't that, at least, a good thing?

What do you think?

Celebrity Divorce: Al and Tipper Gore

This new bit of news, about the reported separation of Al and Tipper Gore, appears to have caught most observers, (and a lot of the couple's acquaintances), completely off guard. No allegations of adultery have been made. And no other reasons were volunteered by the couple, other than that they have drifted apart. And no other reasons need to be given, publicly, in my opinion.

But a divorce after 40 years of marriage does raise some other questions. For example, why do couples generally split up after such long marriages? What steps can they take to avoid it?

What do you think?

Why Do People Cheat and How Does Adultery Affect Your Divorce?

Why do people cheat on their spouses? How does adultery affect your divorce in Georgia? These are two tough questions! Honestly, as a divorce lawyer in Augusta, Georgia, I find that the second question is easier to answer!

1. Why Do Married People Cheat?
As to the first question, all you need to do is type the words "why do people cheat" and search any of the search engines for answers. (You might also even see a few photos you recognize of celebrities, such as Jesse James, John Edwards, and Tiger Woods!) You will see that there have been countless studies, and articles and books written in the past twenty years alone on this topic. In my reading, I have learned that one of the primary reasons people cheat is the one you might guess: the loss of love and communication in their marriage. What do you think? What are some of the other reasons why people commit adultery?

2. How Does Adultery Affect Your Divorce?
Again, as a Georgia divorce attorney, this question is alot easier to answer! Unfortunately, the answers aren't so good, if you are the cheater! One potential consequence is that, in Georgia, if your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," can prove adultery as a cause of the divorce, then you may be barred from receiving alimony. Infidelity may also impact your share of the property division. In addition, cheating may result in a messier, more expensive divorce. Finally, if Sluggo can prove that your adultery has some bearing or relationship to your fitness as a parent, then it can even cause you to lose custody of your children. It is very important for you to discuss your situation with your own divorce lawyer!

So, those are my attempts at answering these two questions! What do you think? Why do people run around on their spouses?

Celebrity Marriage and Divorce: Art Linkletter

Did you hear the sad news? News reports indicate that long-time t.v. host Art Linkletter died today at the age of 97. According to Wikipedia and numerous other sources, Linkletter, who enjoyed excellent health throughout most of his life, was the host of several programs, including the popular t.v. variety show, "Art Linkletter's House Party," which aired from 1952-1969. The affable Linkletter was noted for his humorous interactions with kids who, as Linkletter would put it, "say the darndest things!"

So, you might ask, what in the world does Mr. Linkletter's death have to do with a blog about divorce and divorce lawyers? The answer is that Mr. Linkletter is another example of the point that Hollywood does not destroy all celebrity marriages. Mr. Linkletter and his wife, who got married in 1935, were married nearly 75 years before his death today. This is an amazing fact about an amazing man who will be missed by many.

And this again proves that at least some celebrity marriages don't end in divorce!

Celebrity Divorces: Sandra Bullock and Jesse James (When Is "I'm Sorry" Not Enough?)

This post deals with a question raised by the ongoing divorce saga between actress Sandra Bullock and her alleged cheating husband, Jesse James. The question of the day is: When is "I'm sorry" not enough? In other words, if your own spouse, "Sluggo," committed adultery, would you take him back if he said, "I'm sorry?"

According to numerous news reports, James has not only apologized for his alleged infidelity, but also has indicated that he knew he would eventually get caught if he committed adultery. Also, as an apparent part of his cathartic confession, James has also been reported as essentially saying that threw away and "self-sabotaged" his own marriage.

Is this enough for Ms. Bullock to take him back? I have no idea. And frankly, I believe that it's a decision to be made by her, or between the two of them. But how would you react if you were the victim of adultery? How do people decide when it is appropriate to take back a cheating spouse, or when they should see a divorce lawyer?

What do you think?

Celebrity Marriage and Divorce: Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley

In this blog about Georgia divorce law and divorce lawyers, I also often write about celebrity divorces. The general theme, or common thread linking these posts, is that Hollywood can be tough on celebrity marriages.

However, this certainly doesn't apply to all cases! And maybe it's time to recognize some of the celebrity marriage success stories!

For example, consider the long-lasting marriage of two of my favorite Hollywood people: Michelle Pfeiffer and Hollywood writer-producer David E. Kelley. (In my opinion, Ms. Pfeiffer is one of Hollywood's finest actors and Kelley has produced some of my favorite television series, including "The Practice" and "Boston Legal"). This talented couple married back in 1993 and they are raising two children. Moreover, they appear to have a strong marriage unaffected by -- or at least not broken by --Hollywood stressors.

So, there! Maybe now I have been more fair to Hollywood by recognizing that not all celebrity marriages end in divorce!

Celebrity Divorces: Emma Caulfield

Were any of you fans of the old "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" t.v. series, featuring actress Emma Caulfield, which ran from 1997-2003? Frankly, I never saw a single episode!

But for you fans of the series, you might want to know that Emma Caulfield has reportedly filed for divorce from her husband of three or four years.

No one knows, or needs to know, (other than the parties and their divorce lawyers), the reasons for this divorce. Once again, it appears that Hollywood can be tough on celebrity marriages.