Resolution Through Negotiation

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TV actress finalizes divorce, must pay spousal support

On Behalf of | Feb 19, 2016 | Family Law |

During a divorce, some of the most common points of discussion may include child custody, child support and spousal support. These issues can be even more contentious during a high asset divorce and spouses can go to extreme lengths to fight for what they believe is theirs. Recently, one TV actress has finalized her divorce from her husband and it has cost her more than she initially thought.

TV actress Katherine McPhee, star of the CBS drama “Scorpion,” has completed divorce proceedings with her former spouse, Nicholas Cokas. The couple had been married since 2008 and one of the matters of contention during the divorce was when their separation actually occurred. McPhee and her attorney stated that the couple separated in 2013, while Cokas said that they separated almost a year later. Their final divorce decree states that they separated in 2014.

As a result, Cokas will receive far more money then McPhee wanted. Cokas will receive spousal support as well as money that McPhee earned as a singer and actress. The couple will split the money that McPhee made from the music rights to her songs. They will also split the money that the actress made from her previous TV show “Smash.”

Cokas will also get ownership of the couple’s 2013 Jeep Wrangler, while McPhee will keep their Mercedes SUV. However, Cokas will not get half of the money that McPhee earns from “Scorpion.” The judge ruled that he is entitled to half her earnings from the pilot episode only.

Determining the appropriate amount of spousal support can be quite complicated. However, any Minnesota resident who is involved in a high asset divorce may want to speak to a family law attorney in order to discover what assets may be included in a final settlement.

Source: tmz.com, “Katherine McPhee Divorce Finalized . . .‘Smash’ing Victory for Nick,” Feb. 10, 2016