The famous singer Stevie Wonder filed for divorce earlier this month from his wife of 11 years. Wonder cited irreconcilable differences as the cause of their separation. The pair married on September 1, 2001, and have two children ages 10 and 7. In his petition, Wonder indicated that he would seek joint custody and agreed to child support payments for the children.

While Hollywood divorces are by no means unusual, it is more common to see breakups among the entertainment set after only a few years of marriage. In many cases, entertainers struggle with special marital issues, and it is not uncommon for actors and musicians to grow distant from spouses as travel and job assignments keep them apart. The spotlight of constant media attention can also cause marital friction and stress.

In this instance, Wonder and his spouse seem to have been separated for some time; the document gives the date of separation as October 2009, but the pair appears to be on amicable terms. This could indicate that the divorce will proceed more rapidly and on a much friendlier basis than some other recent celebrity divorces.

Anyone with significant marital assets faces unique issues when filing for divorce, especially when children are involved. It is very important for both parties in a high-asset divorce case to have sound legal representation. These types of divorces often take more time to complete as liquidating assets may be a protracted and involved process. A divorce attorney with experience in high-asset cases may be able to make the ordeal less painful.

Source: The Charlotte Observer, “Stevie Wonder Files For Divorce After 11 Years,” Aug. 4, 2012