Even when two people make substantial incomes on their own, they may not be eager to end their marriage without a settlement that appears to treat them both fairly. Finally reaching an agreement may seem to be the end of the story, but how the parties honor their responsibilities as outlined in the final decree may make a difference in whether they are acceptable.
Johnny Depp recently donated money to charity in lieu of making the settlement payment to his ex-wife, Amber Heard. He had agreed to pay her $7 million in the divorce settlement. Her intention, which she announced publicly, was to make gifts of the entire $7 million award to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Ms. Heard’s representative claims that the actor will receive tax deductions by bestowing the gifts himself, and these benefits would not have been available to him if he gave the money to her as ordered. She states that this does not meet the terms of the divorce agreement. The actor’s donations did not represent the full amount, and according to his representative, the rest would be received in installments. It is not known how the actor intends to divide the donation.
Coming to an agreement after an acrimonious divorce is a long and difficult process for many couples. An attorney who is familiar with the divorce laws in Georgia may be able to help someone with significant assets to reach a fair settlement and ensure that the terms of the agreement are met.
Source: Yahoo News, “Amber Heard Calls Out Johnny Depp for Using Charity Donation as ‘His Tax Deduction’,” Michael Miller, Aug. 25, 2016
