Colorado readers who follow entertainment news may have heard of actors Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli. Garth was a star of the TV series Beverly Hills 90210, and Facinelli had a leading role in the Twilight movie series. The couple, who were married for 11 years, commenced divorce proceedings about a year ago. Recently, a judge in Los Angeles signed the final order in the proceedings.
It appears to have been a fairly amicable divorce. Neither spouse requested spousal support (also known as alimony, and referred to as maintenance in Colorado). The couple have indicated they intend to raise their three daughters – ages 15, 10 and 6 – together, and the divorce agreement supports that assertion. The couple has agreed to a 50/50 custody arrangement. They have also agreed to maintain joint bank accounts, which each party will contribute to equally, for the support and education of their daughters.
Child custody and child support issues can lead to some of the most costly and emotionally stressful disputes in a divorce case. It is encouraging to see a couple take a mature attitude to these issues and begin their new lives apart with a commitment to put the children’s interests first.
In Colorado, child custody agreements are set out in a parenting plan, which specifies how many overnights each parent gets with the children. Parents have a number of options to choose from. When parents are unable to agree, the court will step in and issue an order. Colorado courts look at a number of factors in determining custody, but the best interests of the child are always paramount. The children in this case are fortunate that their parents were able to cooperate and agree on a custody plan.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Actors Jennie Garth, Peter Facinelli finalize divorce, play nice,” Nardine Saad, June 13, 2013