Cuba Gooding Jr. files for divorce from wife of 20 years

California residents may have heard that Cuba Gooding Jr. has finally filed for divorce from his wife. The couple had been married since March 1994, and had been together for seven years prior to that. Gooding’s wife had filed for separation in April 2014 citing irreconcilable differences.

At that time, she asked for physical and legal custody of two children who were minors at the time in addition to asking for spousal support. Gooding did request that he receive joint legal and physical custody of their 10-year-old daughter. He also agreed to pay spousal support, but the actor asked that he retain the money that he had made since his former wife filed for separation.

If an individual is seeking legal separation or divorce, it may be worthwhile to consult with an attorney. Legal counsel may be able to help an individual obtain spousal support as well as help a parent obtain legal or physical custody of his or her children. In some cases, it may be possible for the parents to create their own parenting plan subject to approval from a judge. In addition to child custody issues, those who are going through the separation or divorce process may have outstanding property division questions to resolve.

In most cases, both parties to a marriage are entitled to a share of joint property. However, once a couple is separated, the character of some or all property may change. For instance, money an individual earned during a separation period may be considered sole property. If a couple has a prenuptial or any other type of agreement, legal counsel may review it to determine its validity.