Johnny Depp Divorce Case Becoming Extremely Contentious

June 16, 2016

The drama surrounding the Hollywood celebrity divorce between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is heating up, with Heard obtaining a temporary restraining order against the superstar actor and Depp responding by alleging that Heard is lying so that she can get more money in a divorce settlement.

Depp, a 50-year-old Hollywood actor who headlines major blockbuster movies, and Heard, a 30-year-old Hollywood actress who has appeared in a number of films in recent years, got married 15 months ago. Now it appears that their marriage is headed for divorce after Heard filed divorce paperwork in a Los Angeles court and also accused Depp of physically assaulting her during a violent altercation at the couple’s LA apartment.

The domestic violence accusations have created a public backlash against Depp, who’s long been one of the most popular actors in the world. Depp, through his attorneys, directly challenged the allegations that he hit Heard, claiming that his wife is fabricating a story about domestic violence so that Depp will pay her off.

In her initial filing for divorce, Heard made a request for temporary spousal support while the case is still pending.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the attorneys for both Depp and Heard are currently trying to work out a settlement, with Depp said to be offering to pay Heard alimony in the amount of $50,000 per month.

The latest word on those negotiations is that Heard flat-out rejected Depp’s offer of alimony because it comes with strings attached: namely that the couple would also agree to a “mutual restraining order.” For her part, Heard reportedly believes that allowing Depp to dictate the terms of the divorce settlement would suggest that it is okay for someone to commit acts of domestic violence.

Division of property and other assets could also be a sticking point in any divorce negotiations for the Hollywood power couple. Since Depp and Heard did not have a prenuptial agreement when they first entered into the marriage, the divorce could be extremely expensive for Depp. That’s because California family law, which is similar to NJ family law, dictates that Heard, as Depp’s spouse, would likely be entitled to 50 percent of any money Depp earned while the couple was married.

For more information about this high-profile divorce case, read the International Business Times article, “Amber Heard Claims It’s Not About the Money after Rejecting Monthly $50,000 Spousal Support.”

If you are thinking about filing for divorce in New York, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified divorce lawyer before you make any final decisions about how to proceed. Jonathan D. Katz is an experienced divorce and family law attorney who can help you protect your property and assets in a divorce. Contact Mr. Katz anytime to schedule a consultation about your case.