Even though no two divorces are alike, there are some parts of the divorce process that can be more contentious than others. For couples with children, usually the most difficult parts are dealing with child custody and talking about child support. But as a recent celebrity divorce shows, sometimes this doesn’t always have to be that contentious.
You would think that after nearly two decades of marriage, establishing child custody would be rather difficult. But this wasn’t the case for actors David Duchovny and Téa Leoni who, after 17 years of marriage, have decided to end their marriage. According to some sources, the couple has been separated for months and filed for divorce back in June.
The custody of the couple’s two children, their 15-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, could have easily turned into a source of contention that could have complicated the dissolution of marriage. But as has been reported, the couple has reached an agreement that will let them share joint custody, even though Leoni has been named as the parent with primary physical custody.
The couple also appears to have come to an agreement regarding support payments as well, which can also create some tension during divorce proceedings. In their case, the couple has agreed that Duchovny will make monthly child support payments to the tune of $8,000. This will be on top of his other financial obligations to the children for schooling and summer activities as well as the reported $40,000 in spousal support he will have to pay each month.
Because of what’s at stake in a high-asset divorce, we often assume that all celebrity splits will be contentious ones. But as this most recent case shows, this doesn’t always have to be the case and some can end agreeably.
Source: People Magazine, “David Duchovny and Téa Leoni Are Divorcing,” Anya Leon, Aug. 9, 2014