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Introduction: Real Housewives Star Ashley Darby Recently Finalized Divorce
The well-known star from the television series Real Housewives of Potomac (“RHOP”), Ashley Darby, just recently finalized in her divorce from her former husband, Michael Darby. The couple had two sons during the marriage, and was able to amicably work out a mutually agreeable custody arrangement. The divorce paperwork was filed in early November, but the couple initially separated back in April of 2022. During the separation, the former couple was able to iron down the remaining issues of the divorce in a settlement agreement; this agreement was integrated into the final decree. Furthermore, the spouses had prenuptial agreements going into the marriage, and so this further facilitated a relatively speedy dissolution process. Not only was the divorce process amicable, the ex-spouses are apparently still on good terms and are both committed to being involved and responsible co-parents.
Seldom do we think of divorce cases from celebrity media as being likely candidates for an “ideal breakup.” This is for good reason, as many high visibility divorce cases go very poorly for the spouses involved. In the case of Ashley Darby, however, we can see what appears to be a nearly ideal situation, when all factors are considered.
What can we take away from this situation involving the RHOP star?
The Benefits of a Valid Prenuptial Agreement
Clearly, one of the strong points for the couple heading into the divorce process was the fact that there were enforceable prenuptial agreements. This meant that the couple wasn’t very likely to engage in difficult and potentially costly property division related disputes. Consequently, the dissolution had a greater chance of remaining amicable. The parties were able to successfully retain their identified separate property, and then the settlement agreement resolved any issues regarding the division of the marital estate.
There are multiple benefits of a valid and enforceable prenuptial agreement. One benefit is that this agreement is generally cost-efficient, because litigating property disputes can be quite expensive. Another benefit is the psycho-emotional aspect of certainty, or stability, in knowing that the property you identify in the agreement will definitely remain in your ownership. Furthermore, on top of this, there is the concomitant increase in probability that the divorce will be relatively stress free and amicable as a result.
The Benefits of Amicably Resolving Custody Issues
Not only did the parties wisely invest in prenuptial agreements, they were also level headed and sensible when it came to custody arrangements. As we know, this is something which can create the most friction between ex-spouses. The spouses were able to amicably resolve custody issues and develop a workable arrangement in the settlement agreement. Approaching custody issues in an amicable fashion – or, at least as amicably as is possible, given the circumstances – is clearly a major component of an overall amicable divorce. In worst case scenarios, outside professionals are needed, in some cases strictly as observers and reporters, to help determine how to properly resolve heated custody disputes. It’s in the interests of both parties to avoid these types of stressful and expensive entanglements.
As mentioned, the Darbys were able to resolve all disputes in a settlement agreement prior to the divorce petition. On the whole, this case can easily be seen as being “nearly ideal” from the standpoint of the cost-efficiency and emotional toll of the divorce itself. There are definitely key lessons to take away.
Contact the Murphy Law Firm for More Information
If you’d like to know more about marital agreements in Maryland law, property division, or another aspect of the divorce process, contact one of the family law lawyers at the Murphy Law Firm today by calling 240-219-5243.
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