Three-time NBA champ Byron Scott recently filed for divorce from his wife Anita Scott. Byron and Anita were college sweethearts who have been married for 29 years. They have three adult children together.
In her response to Byron's petition, Anita outlined a lavish existence that included regular shopping sprees for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada; $600 every six weeks for hair appointments; $400 per month for facials; $500 per month for manicures, pedicures, and massages; and first class airfare and top hotel accommodations for regular family vacations. Recent media reports have criticized Anita's demands as excessive, but California law entitles her to a settlement consistent with their marital lifestyle. Unless evidence shows their lifestyle was leading to high levels of marital debt, whether or not these items are considered "necessities" by the average person is irrelevant.
Anita is currently living in a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo in Culver City. She's seeking to upgrade her living accommodations to something more comparable to the various homes they lived in during their marriage, including an 8 bedroom home in New Jersey, a 7 bedroom home in New Orleans, and a 4 bedroom penthouse in Cleveland.
California divorce law allows both spouses 50% of community property, even if one did not work outside the home. Community property includes all income and items purchased with this income, unless specifically excluded in a valid prenuptial agreement. Spousal support can also be awarded if one partner requires continuing financial assistance to live in the manner that they became accustomed to during the marriage. If they were married more than 15 years, as Byron and Anita were, there is no automatic end date set for the support payments. Payments continue until the receiving spouse remarries or the paying spouse is no longer able to fulfill the obligation.
How Can We Help?
If you are in need of legal representation or have questions about your eligibility for spousal support, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our experienced Pasadena divorce lawyers can help you receive a settlement that will protect your long-term financial interests.