As readers of our Worcester family law blog may be aware, professional basketball player Dwyane Wade and his ex-wife have finally reached a settlement in a drawn out public divorce battle. The Miami Heat National Basketball Association player and his ex-wife recently reached a $5 million divorce settlement. Wade will pay out the multi-million dollar settlement in addition to several other stipulations. His ex-wife will receive the former couple’s mansion in Chicago and four cars. The pair has also signed a “non-disparage” agreement which prohibits either from degrading one another to the public.
The settlement comes after several years of legal battles between the two. Wade’s ex-wife reportedly went through 16 different attorneys during the divorce process and was arrested on two occasions. She has also made several claims, including one that she was homeless. Wade originally filed for divorce in 2007. The basketball star was awarded sole custody of the pair’s two sons in 2011.
Messy divorce battles are not reserved solely for the rich and famous. A Massachusetts divorce can quickly turn into a heated legal battle over property division, settlements and child custody and visitation. As emotions run high, it is important to have an experienced legal team on your side. A lawyer can help best protect a divorcee and his or her children through the process.
As in the divorce between NBA star Wade and his ex-wife, sometimes issues arise in the course of a divorce that must be decided by a judge. At times, parties may simply reach an impasse and be unable to reach an agreement without the assistance of the court system. On the other hand, a divorce does not always have to be contentious. The parties can work with their lawyers to reach an agreement as to things such as a property settlement or child support. In other cases, an impartial mediator can help a couple sort through their issues without court intervention.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Dwyane Wade reaches divorce settlement with ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches,” July 26, 2013