Former X-Files actor files for divorce

Nevada residents may be following the reports that David Duchovny and his former spouse Tea Leoni have finalized their divorced. Duchovny filed for divorce in June. The couple came to a settlement on their own, which will see Duchovny pay $40,000 a month in spousal support. He will also pay $8,333 in child support plus other expenses each month.

While Leoni will have primary physical custody of their 15-year-old and 12-year-old children, both parents will have legal custody rights. The couple first was married in 1997 and separated in 2008 before reconciling after several months apart. They separated again in 2011, and Duchovny cited an irretrievable breakdown in the relationship during the June divorce filing. Representatives for both parties declined to comment about the reports.

If a couple chooses to divorce, there are many different options available for a divorce settlement. The couple may settle on their own, with the assistance of a lawyer or by asking a judge to issue a ruling consistent with state divorce law. While spousal support was decided in this case, it may not be necessary if both spouses have sufficient assets to maintain their respective lifestyles.

Each spouse hiring a family law attorney may be helpful even when the two parties are engaging in an amicable divorce. The attorneys could see that a settlement is drafted properly, which could prevent possible legal challenges in the future. In addition, the attorneys might help the parties agree on each person’s right to future earnings from a business or agree on who will pay what percentage of the college expenses of any children.

Source: Los Angeles Times, “David Duchovny, Tea Leoni finalize their divorce“, Nardine Saad, August 11, 2014