So Much For A "Civil" Divorce

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

08 Nov 2006 09:34 PM

The gloves are officially off. Less than 24 hours after his superstar wife filed divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court, Kevin Federline filed a response today that could signal an impending custody battle.

All the news reports I read and heard yesterday spoke of this "iron-clad prenuptial agreement" that Spears had. But, earlier today I heard one legal analyst mention that when kids are involved there is no such thing as an "iron clad pre-nup." I'm not sure if she meant that the addition of children negates a pre-nup or if the birth of offspring merely means that one party can maintain that all bets are off.

Regardless, I just read a news report that claims Federline was caught off guard by Britney's filing and is "outraged" that she would ask the court for sole custody of their children, 1-year-old Sean Preston and 2-month-old Jayden James. In his legal response Federline is also asking for sole custody of their children, with visitation rights for Spears.

A California family law specialist told one local reporter: "It's not that unusual, but if you want to send a message that you want to be amicable, (both parties) would seek joint custody. That he's seeking sole custody leads me to believe they're heading to a costly battle over the kids."

According to a statement from his lawyer: "Kevin is prepared to go the distance in order to do what he feels is necessary to protect and safeguard the children and will not be intimidated or dissuaded from pursuit of those goals."

I'm sure many people out there think that neither Spears nor Federline is the best role model for those young boys, but I guess in the end a judge will decide if that is true. Sadly, the only victims in this entire doomed union are those innocent children. In a previous blog I foolishly wondered if the official divorce filing would bring an end to the intense media scrutiny that surrounded the pair. Now we know that the battle has not yet begun and one can only assume that the press will not miss a moment... especially if each party is willing to stop at nothing to prove that the other is not a competent parent. Think about all of the evidence documented by the papparazzi that could help both camps prove that the other is "unfit."

According to media reports, Federline will spend the next few days consulting with his lawyer about whether to contest the couple's prenuptial agreement, as well as negotiate a temporary support and custody arraignment. Oh, and by the way, Federline is also asking for spousal support.

Did anyone think that this was going to be a civil divorce? Is there such a thing as a civil divorce?

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12871) 09 Nov 2006 10:23 AM

I figured this one would get nasty. I think all Kevin was after was the attention and Britney's money anyhow and now will do anything he can to keep his "standard of living." The only ones I feel for are the children :-(

Valorie Delp (49340) 09 Nov 2006 02:34 PM

I agree Libby. But a few questions come to mind. . .how come he wasn't willing to go the distance for his first children with Shar Jackson? Kind of makes you say hmmmmm. I not only feel badly for their kids but for the first set of kids he already had--and/or any other offspring I'm not remembering?! UGH!!!! Maybe I'm old fashioned but to be frank, if I were a guy I would be embarassed to ask for 'spousal support' from my ex. Michele--I am by the way--not going to the laundromat right now! ;-)

Michele Cheplic (37339) 10 Nov 2006 07:38 AM

Thanks for the comments Libby and Valorie! Given the evidence he or she has to work with I have to say that I don't envy the judge in this case.