We can learn a lot from high-profile divorces. In this blog post, we’ll share three important lessons from Kelly Clarkson’s divorce settlement that may help you during divorce.
Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from her husband, Brandon Blackstock, in 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage. At the end of the divorce proceedings, the judge ordered Ms. Clarkson to pay over $160,000 in monthly spousal and child support. Yes, this is a lot of money, even for a celebrity like Ms. Clarkson! According to recent court documents, since she earns over $1.5 million per month, this sum represents about 10% of her income. On top of these monthly payments, Clarkson was also ordered to make a one-time payment of $1.3 million to her ex-husband.
However, this arrangement only lasts until January 31, 2024. Regardless of the final outcome of Clarkson’s ordered spousal and child support, here are three lessons we can all learn from this settlement.
3 Important Lessons to Learn from Kelly Clarkson’s Divorce Settlement
1. Division of Marital Property Is Complicated
The division of marital property can be a long, painstaking process, as demonstrated by Kelly Clarkson’s divorce settlement. Clarkson’s divorce took nearly two years to complete. Considering the couple’s substantial assets—including two Montana properties and a California residence—this was to be expected. But even if you are not wealthy, dividing the property can still draw out the process.
In the case of Clarkson and Blackstock’s divorce, one major obstacle was the couple’s Montana ranch, where Blackstock lived. Initially, Blackstock said that he intended to leave his career in the entertainment industry to become a full-time rancher. The court ordered him to pay the maintenance costs of the ranch. In 2021, Clarkson had requested permission from the court to sell the ranch, but her request was denied. If Blackstock failed to pay the maintenance costs on the property, Clarkson could file another motion to sell the property. She eventually won out and got Blackstock to move out of the property, but the energy it took was significant.
2. Prenuptial Agreements Are Critical
Before they tied the knot in 2013, Clarkson and Blackstock signed a prenuptial agreement. Without this agreement in place, Clarkson could have lost a lot more than she did, since much of the property at stake would have been considered marital property.
In Florida, prenuptial (and postnuptial) agreements are excellent tools to determine how marital property will be split in the event of a divorce. For individuals who own substantial assets prior to marriage, these agreements aim to ensure they leave a marriage with the property they had before they got married.
3. The Length and Amount of Spousal Support Depend on Many Factors
Like any alimony case, the amount of spousal support Clarkson was ordered to pay Blackstock, as well as the duration of the payments, was based on many factors. In Florida, many different types of alimony exist—from temporary alimony to permanent alimony—to make sure that both parties are able to maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage.
It’s also important to understand that just because alimony is awarded during a divorce case, that does not mean that that judgment is the final word on the matter. It is possible to modify alimony if circumstances change.
Contact Our Experienced Florida Divorce Attorneys
Divorce is a complicated process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you need help with your Florida divorce, don’t hesitate to contact me. Schedule a consultation today so that we can discuss your needs.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated on divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
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