Divorce is never easy. Even when both parties are in agreement, it can be a painful process. It spells the end of a relationship that two people entered with the hope of being together forever.
Divorce can be even harder when there are children involved. Just ask Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake. The tabloids have been filled with news of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce. However, the focus is now turning to the split between JT and Jessica Biel.
Not news
News of the couple divorcing isn’t new. Rumors of cracks in the relationship surfaced two years ago when it was believed that the couple would get a divorce. Despite the rumors, the marriage did not end.
However, recent reports indicate that the couple is now preparing for a custody battle and a divorce that will involve a significant fortune. The reasons for the divorce are believed to be the same as those given two years ago: Justin Timberlake’s failure to overcome the temptation to cheat. However, the reason given by Jessica Biel for filing for the divorce was that her husband was pressuring her to have another baby, which she didn’t want.
Breakdown of marriage
Jessica Biel fans may be upset to learn that unlike other cases, divorce is not fault-based. Custody and property splitting is not determined based on fault.
In order for the court to award a divorce, marriage breakdown must be proven. This can be shown by:
- The couple having lived apart or separate for more than a year. This results in a no-fault divorce
- One of the spouses should be shown to have been cruel or adulterous.
Biel’s stated reason in filing for a divorce is that Timberlake wants her to have a second child. She says that she didn’t want to have a second baby after accepting an offer for a new TV project. Reports are that she and her husband couldn’t come to an agreement.
The two are said to now be negotiating a divorce deal amounting to $225 million. They are also preparing to enter a battle for custody over their only child and son, Silas. While division of property is usually based on the net family property worth of each spouse, the award of custody will depend on what the court deems to be the best move for the child.
If anything, the tabloids say is true, Timberlake may come out on the losing end.
