Two years after the Los Angeles Dodgers were sold for $2 billion, the former owner’s divorce case is nearing completion. The high-asset divorce centered around the ownership interest of the team.
The ex-wife walked away from the divorce with $131 million. She also left with several luxury properties after their nearly three-decade marriage came to an end. The divorce settlement was entered into in 2012, and it included a provision that stated that if either spouse contested the settlement, he or she would be required to pay the legal fees necessary to defend the settlement. The husband later sold the team in 2012 for $2 billion. The wife brought forth a lawsuit claiming that the husband had undervalued the value of the team in their divorce case to shortchange her of her fair share.
However, a court ruled in September that the man had not committed any fraud in the matter. The husband then brought suit to recover the $1.9 million in legal fees that he incurred in defending the settlement, per the pertinent clause in the agreement. While the wife’s attorneys argued that the amount of fees was excessive in the case, the judge hearing the case ruled that the wife is required to reimburse him for the fees. He found that the wife was familiar with the operations of the team and had ample legal and professional support during the divorce proceedings. Her attorney has 15 days from the date of the judgment to file an objection to the ruling.
Individuals who believe that there may be contention after the divorce settlement may consult with a family law attorney in order to protect his or her interest. By taking this course of action, they may be able to add provisions regarding additional legal fees in order to prevent further litigation.
Source: ABC News, “Judge Favors Frank McCourt in Divorce Fees Fight”, Anthony McCartney, June 26, 2014