Harvey Phillip “Phil” Spector is a record producer, musician, song writer and convicted murderer. He is known worldwide for his “wall of sound” form music in the early 1960s and his influence on many recording artists and musicians from the Beatles and the Beach Boys to Bruce Springsteen. He was convicted in 2007 of the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson, and is serving a prison sentence of 19 years to life.
In September of 2006, prior to his 2009 murder conviction, Spector married his third wife; a 26-year-old waitress named Rachel Short.
Recently, according to web site TMZ, Spector filed for divorce from Rachel citing “irreconcilable differences.” Spector, according to TMZ and other news sources, is claiming that Rachel is draining his $35-million dollar estate with purchases of homes for her mother, expensive jewelry, an airplane, a jet, extensive plastic surgery and expensive cars while only providing him with a monthly stipend of a mere $300.
By filing for dissolution in California now, Spector triggers many legal principles, including what Rachel can expect from a divorce.
Without knowing whether a valid pre-nuptial agreement is in effect that could determine the net effect of a divorce, the basic principles of divorce would apply.
- Separate property: All of Spector’s property prior to his marriage would remain his separate property, unless he co-mingled it with Rachel.
- Spousal Support: Rachel might be entitled to spousal support based on her need for the support to continue with the lifestyle she had during her marriage and Spector’s ability to pay her until she can support herself. Spousal support ends when the person receiving the support is able to support him/herself and/or the supporting spouse is no longer able to pay the support. Otherwise, spousal support will be granted for no longer than one-half the term of the marriage.
- Long-term marriage and entitlement to long-term spousal support: In California, a long-term marriage is defined as one lasting longer than ten years. If a marriage is determined to be long term, and one spouse is unable to financially support him/herself, then the other spouse may end up paying spousal support for a longer period of time than one-half the term of marriage – up to and including the death of either spouse.
Again, without the specific particulars of the Spector-Short marriage, any statements regarding the course their divorce will take, is speculation.