When news breaks about a celebrity heading for divorce court, discussions often turn to the potential property division issues, or possibly question whether a prenuptial agreement is in place. In general, the issues that may surround property division in what may be a high-asset divorce are a great concern for people involved. Columbia area residents may have unique goals in seeking a potential settlement related to property. But, other issues may also be at the forefront in a divorce.

News has broken that country music star Trace Adkins and his wife separated on Monday. Tuesday, Rhonda Adkins filed for divorce in the estranged couple’s home state. The two had been married for roughly 16 years. Adkins and his soon-to-be- ex-wife have three minor children together, ranging in age from 9 to 16 years old. In her paperwork, Ms. Adkins is seeking primary residential custody of the three girls in the divorce.

When minor children are involved in a divorce proceeding — even in high-profile or high-asset divorce cases — child custody and support issues may be on the front burner of the proceedings. Each state has its own laws on how child custody and visitation issues are handled. While Ms. Adkins is seeking primary residential custody of the children, she is also seeking child support.

In Missouri, there are generally two primary aspects to child custody — legal custody and physical custody. While the court may grant joint physical custody, the actual time the kids spend with each parent may or may not be equal in terms of time. One parent may have the kids living with him or her for a greater amount of time in a given year.

In the recent celebrity divorce, in addition to primary physical custody, Ms. Adkins is seeking child support, alimony and to be named as the beneficiary on the country music star’s life insurance.

Source: Los Angeles Times, “Trace Adkins’ wife files for divorce after 16 years of marriage,” Christie D’Zurilla, March 26, 2014