On behalf of The Marks Law Firm, L.L.C. posted in Legal Separation on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Former California Governor and well-known actor Arnold Schwarzenegger made a joint announcement with his wife Maria Shriver yesterday declaring their decision to take a period of separation in order to work on their marriage. Schwarzenegger and Shriver have been married for 25 years and have four children, the youngest of whom is 14-years-old.
Schwarzenegger served as Governor of California for seven years and only left the governor’s mansion last January. The challenges associated with the couple’s very public, political life perhaps contributed to their marital difficulties, although neither partner appears ready to fully commit to a divorce. Choosing to opt for separation as opposed to an official divorce allows Schwarzenegger and Shriver some time to decide which course of action will be best for the future of their relationship.
In a joint statement, the couple asserted that the decision to separate was mutual and had been extensively discussed in their household. Although Schwarzenegger and Shriver stated their plan to continue co-parenting their children, it remains unclear from their statement if one of the partners will retain primary custody or if they plan to share their parenting time equally.
Although Shriver did not originally support her husband’s political ambitions, she sacrificed her job at NBC when Schwarzenegger was elected. However, Schwarzenegger never forced the family to relocate to California’s capital, Sacramento, instead choosing to fly to work when necessary.
Their time apart may provide Schwarzenegger and Shriver with the motivation they need to revamp their marriage. Yet, there are certain precautions each should take to prepare for the possibility of a divorce, including organizing their personal finances and taking account of their individual assets and debts.
Source: Huffington Post, “Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver Announce Separation.” Daisy Nguyen, 10 May 2011