Life post-separation can be difficult for any couple. Coming to property division, child custody and child support agreements can be a long and arduous process. For some couples, establishing a preliminary arrangement can be incredibly important.
Former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently split from wife of 25 years, Maria Shriver. Now he is reportedly making child support payments even though neither of them have officially filed for divorce.
The couple announced their separation recently, but nothing formal has been done. Despite not being yet being legally separated, Schwarzenegger is reportedly making “significant” child support payments to his estranged wife. It has been reported that he is also covering the private school bills for his two sons.
Shriver is a wealthy woman in her own right, as she inherited a substantial amount of money from the Kennedy estate after the death of her parents. Under California law, Shriver is entitled to child support payments as soon as the couple begins divorce proceedings. But Schwarzenegger is voluntarily making the payments while they are working on a possible settlement.
It has also been reported that lawyers for Shriver have hired forensic accountants to determine Schwarzenegger’s net value. Several media outlets have reported that Schwarzenegger’s child support and alimony could easily top $100,000 a month because of his significant assets and two children still at home.
Child support arrangements can often be a point of conflict for divorcing couples. Although Schwarzenegger and Shriver only announced their separation recently, their statements on the matter indicate that they plan to settle the dispute as reasonably as possible. It is encouraging to see such a high-profile couple keeping their children’s needs first while they determine their next steps.
Source: Radaronline.com, “Arnold Schwarzenegger Paying Child Support To Maria Shriver,” Jen Heger, 21 Jue, 2011