Don Mclean, the famous artist behind the hit 1971 song ‘American Pie’, just ended his marriage of 30 years. The divorce comes after his ex-spouse filed court documents alleging a pattern of “adultery, cruel and abusive treatment, and irreconcilable differences”. Mr. McLean may have become famous signing songs that paid tribute to an idyllic time but his personal life has recently become tumultuous.
The divorce comes after several high-profile incidents, including an arrest for alleged domestic violence late last year. Supposedly, the divorce also included a prohibition on Mr. McLean from ever speaking or seeing his ex-wife again. This could complicate things as they have two children.
Divorces are universally complicated. There are financial and emotional issues. People take sides. It gets complicated very quickly. These problems are magnified when the couple is high-profile, like being a famous singer, or even locally prominent, like local politicians. The more high-profile you are, the more complicated any divorce will become.
That is why it is a good idea to have an attorney on your side. An attorney is ethically bound to always put your interests first, so you know who they are thinking of when your attorney makes a suggestion.
If you are considering divorce then you may want to consult with a lawyer, especially if you are ending a years-long marriage. There are complicated matters to discuss, like how to divide retirement accounts or financial assets. You don’t have to handle this on your own. An attorney can handle the daily minutiae so that you can focus on what it is important, your family and your own health.
Source: NY Daily News, “‘American Pie’ singer Don McLean and wife finalize divorce“, Melanie Dostis, June 21, 2016