Kobe Bryant’s divorce from his wife of ten and a half years, Vanessa Lynne Bryant, may cost him $75 million. After repeated cases of infidelity, the Lakers basketball wives tipped Vanessa to a recent case that put the coffin in the nail. While the debate rages on about Vanessa’s peculiar timing for filing the divorce petition, although reports just surfaced that Vanessa considered the option four years ago over Kobe’s incessant cheating, a new debate begins around the lack of a prenuptial agreement.
According to the LA Times, “the apparent lack of a prenuptial agreement — coupled with 10 years of marriage — significantly increases the size of Vanessa Bryant’s divorce settlement with Kobe Bryant, legal experts said.
Vanessa’s mother told The Times several years ago that the couple did not sign a prenuptial agreement when they tied the knot in 2001. If true, that would entitle Vanessa to half of their community property.
Christopher C. Melcher, a Woodland Hills-based family law attorney, said a prenup would have limited Vanessa Bryant’s rights for spousal support and some property rights.
“It could have saved half of his fortune,” he said.
“Some estimates put Los Angeles Lakers star’s net worth at $150 million. Legal experts said Vanessa will probably receive at least $75 million in addition to ongoing spousal and child support.”
“Last season, as the NBA’s highest-paid player, Kobe Bryant earned $24.8 million in salary, and his contract extension signed last year is worth $83.5 million. Forbes estimates that with endorsement deals, Bryant last year earned $53 million before taxes and agent fees. In recent years he has added Turkish Airlines and Mercedes-Benz to his portfolio.”
Read the rest of the story on the LA Times
