The recent legal proceedings over defamation accusations between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have brought the details of their financial settlement to light. The couple divorced in 2016, with Ms. Heard pledging to donate all of her $7 million divorce settlement to charity. The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, and it is possible many of the issues the couple is facing could have been prevented with this type of protection. This case may provide valuable insight for California couples preparing to marry.
How could a prenuptial agreement help?
The intent of a prenuptial agreement is to outline how the property division process would work in the event of a divorce. It can ease complications and reduce the chance of litigation in the event that the marriage ends. For Mr. Depp and Ms. Heard, it would have outlined a settlement in the event of a divorce and the amount it should be.
Another benefit of a prenuptial agreement is that it provides a measure of privacy for the two parties. In this situation, the two actors may have been in a better position to keep their finances and the terms of their divorce order private. A prenup can also eliminate the possibility for additional claims against one spouse after the divorce is final.
Lessons from a public divorce
Most California adults do not have the amount of wealth and assets that a celebrity couple has. However, that does not mean that they will not also benefit from a carefully constructed prenuptial agreement. Before walking down the aisle, it may be prudent to consider how a prenup can provide protection in the event of a divorce.