Fame and fortune do not insulate parents from the possibility of divorce and child custody issues. The announcement by Gwen Stefani, the lead singer for the rock band No Doubt, that she would be divorcing her husband of 13 years, Gavin Rossdale of the rock band Bush, places them in a situation similar to divorcing couples throughout Texas.
According to court papers, both Stefani and Rossdale desire joint custody of their three children, ages 9, 6 and 1. Stefani stated in her divorce filing that irreconcilable difference prompted her to end the marriage. The couple urged the media to give them privacy as they sorted out their separation. They expressed the intention to continue providing loving care as parents to their children outside of marriage. The couple married in 2002 and became parents in 2006.
A parent who is facing the end of a marriage will have many decisions to make about the division of property and the negotiation of a child custody or visitation schedule. An attorney could assist a client by explaining the legal rights and obligations that apply to assets, debts, and child support.
Negotiations with the ex-spouse could also be handled by an attorney, who might serve as an emotional buffer. Common issues that a person might need legal help to sort out include ownership of family businesses, division of retirement accounts and parenting schedules. If an agreement cannot be reached with an ex-spouse, then a judge will make the final determinations based on Texas law. In that situation, an attorney could advocate for the client’s interests in court.
Source: USA Today, “Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale file for divorce“, Maria Puente, Aug. 3, 2015