While Stephen Collins’ divorce is scheduled for court on Wednesday, there’s a chance it might not make it to trial.
Ugly Divorce
The actor and his divorce became top news a few months ago when his estranged wife, Faye Grant, taped his confession of molesting young girls decades ago. The two are scheduled to divide their assets after 25 years of marriage.
Divorce attorney Lisa Bloom, has handled some pretty divorce cases herself, but according to her, “This is probably the ugliest case to hit the media.” This is mostly due to the fact that Grant has provided a tape of the couples’ therapy session during which Collins admitted to molesting underage girls.While the audio recording is not admissible as evidence in divorce case, it does turn the spotlight on the case that has been going on for two years.
Determining Division of Assets
While the court will not assign a fault for the divorce, as California is a “no fault” state, the court will look at the martial assets that will need to be divided. “The court wants to find out the pool of assets they’re working with — real property, bank accounts, money coming in from royalties — and generally it’s divided roughly 50-50,” Bloom says. “The court does not want to get into reasons for the divorce; everyone has their reasons, everyone is angry, upset and emotional in divorces.” According to Bloom, “While the tape is not relevant in a California no-fault divorce trial, it may be relevant if the case leads to a settlement, which often happens.”
End of Collins’ Career
Collins has not been charged, but the damage to his career has already been done. He was dropped by his agent and has lost numerous up-coming roles. Grant has said in a recent statement she was not responsible for leaking the audio, and also that the tape has not played a part in the divorce proceedings that have occurred over the past two years. Grant is seeking $13,000 per month in spousal support, as well as half of the couple’s millions in assets which include properties in Brentwood. Collins is hoping to eliminate the spousal support due to the effect the recording has had on his income.
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Source: USA Today, ‘Ugly’ Stephen Collins divorce trial set to begin, November 11, 2014
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