Celebrity divorces are common, but some couples seem to be able to stand up to anything. They help restore faith in the idea that two people can make a marriage work no matter what. That’s why rumors of divorce between long-time spouses like Will and Jada Smith can be so shocking.
Unfortunately, that split appears like it may be in the works. Between long-standing rumors of infidelity by Jada and extra tension caused by Will Smith’s Oscars outburst, it appears that the relationship is on the rocks.
Should the Smiths end things, it won’t just be the end of a decades-long marriage: it has the potential to be one of the most complicated divorces in Hollywood. Here’s why news outlets have started publicizing the potential split and what problems the Smiths will face is they do end their marriage.
Complications the Smiths May Face If They Split
There are a few reasons why a split between Jada and Will Smith may become deeply complicated, including.
Significant Shared Assets
According to sources close to the couple, the Smiths have shared assets of more than $350 million. That’s a lot to split without mediation, particularly in a divorce that would most likely occur because of hurt feelings. Without appropriate assistance, dividing assets after high net worth marriages like this can significantly extend the divorce timeline.
No Prenuptial Agreement
Asset division in a potential Smith split could be even harder than similar splits because the couple doesn’t have a prenuptial agreement. With no prenup contract, they will be held to California’s divorce laws. As it’s a community property state, all couples who divorce in California have to split marital assets 50/50 unless there’s a pre-existing contract that states otherwise. That means that the Smiths would need to go asset by asset and find a way to reach that 50/50 division during their divorce proceedings.
Public Attention
Will Smith has been one of the biggest names in Hollywood for years. After his behavior at the Oscars, people have been paying even more attention to him than normal. As such, if he divorces or is divorced by Jada, the woman whose honor he was protecting, it’s guaranteed to get heavy coverage by the press. Public attention makes any split harder, but especially those with so much riding on it.
Luckily, the couple’s two children and Will Smith’s oldest child from his first marriage are legal adults. Should the pair split, there won’t be any complicated custody battles. However, the combination of public focus on the couple and their significant assets means that every other part of their split has the potential to become nasty.
Preparing for Divorce Can Help Simplify the Process
As the Smiths haven’t yet made any announcements about ending their marriage, they still have plenty of time to prepare for a potential split. They have options that could make things easier. For instance, they could set up a post-nuptial agreement to simplify asset division or contact a private judge to keep more details about their split private.
You can do the same. If you’re concerned about the state of your marriage, advanced preparation can help keep the process running smoothly. Reach out to the experts at Viola Law Firm, P.C., to learn how you can legally prepare for a divorce and avoid unnecessary drama during your split.
