Last updated on April 8, 2021
As we have remarked to our readers many times in prior blog posts, every divorce is unique, with the factors and considerations involved highly singular for each separating couple.
Sometimes there is not much to contest or argue about, with dissolution being a simple, quick and quite straightforward matter.
At other times, especially when considerable property or a complex estate is involved, a high-asset divorce will take more time and involve protracted negotiations.
Such appears to be the case with the upcoming divorce trial of renowned crime-fiction author Elmore Leonard and his wife of 18 years, Christine.
Much about the Leonard’s divorce appears unremarkable on its face. The reason for the parting is unspecified. The couple has no children, and the author’s attorney says, “It’s all pretty standard as divorces go.”
Except for one thing, namely, Elmore Leonard Inc., the likely repository for the artifacts of Leonard’s prodigious 60-year career. Leonard has written scores of best-selling books, many which have become popular movies, including 3:10 to Yuma and Get Shorty.
Christine wants to ensure that Leonard does not transfer or diminish that wealth during the divorce proceedings. Pursuant to that aim, she has requested a temporary restraining order against her husband that seeks to enjoin him from modifying the status quo concerning the couple’s finances.
In other words, the order would disallow Leonard from disposing of any business records or changing insurance policies, his will or codicil, any bank accounts or other investment portfolios, and would also require him to maintain all his wife’s current expenses.
A trial date of December 12 has been set.
Source: Detroit News, “Author Elmore Leonard, wife to divorce” Oct. 20, 2011
