We all know that divorces can become messy, quickly. After all, there is very few other situations where one’s entire life is literally being torn apart. And, especially when there is wealth or children involved, both parties will fight tooth-and-nail to protect what they believe is rightly theirs. This often plays out in full public view during celebrity divorces, and Kelly Clarkson’s divorce from Brandon Blackstock is yet another example.
The father-in-law jumps into the divorce
Amid their contentious divorce, Ms. Clarkson’s father-in-law, Narvel Blackstock, and his management company, Starstruck Management Group, sued her. They claim that she owes them $1.4 million in unpaid commissions immediately, and at least $5.4 million by the end of 2020. They base this claim on an oral agreement that Ms. Clarkson allegedly made, agreeing to pay them 15% of her gross earnings.
On Oct. 20 though, Ms. Clarkson filed a labor petition claiming that they actually violated California Labor Code by not obtaining a talent agency license. This means that any such agreement between Ms. Clarkson, Mr. Blackstock, or his management company is void and unenforceable. In turn, Mr. Blackstock and his management company claim that her arguments are simply trying to get an upper hand in her ongoing divorce.
What can we learn from this litigation?
Lawrenceville, Georgia, residents may never have to deal with these types of divorce disputes. However, we should understand that this is an example of how unanticipated legal arguments and challenges can become in the divorce process. While we may think of the divorce as being between two spouses, depending on the situation, there may be other parties, like children and business interests. This is why it is so important to contact a divorce attorney immediately.
