Family law issues can be some of the most emotional and conflict-fraught court disputes. But it doesn't have to be that way. So, let's take a look at the biggest family stories that have emerged already in 2021 and what we can learn from them.

Britney Spears' Conservatorship

For more than a decade, we've heard the cries of “Free Britney!” This month, in the wake of a new Hulu documentary about the iconic pop star, her father lost a court battle to maintain complete financial control over her assets. Britney's father has been her conservator since October 2008 after a psychiatric hold in February 2008. As conservator, he controls her assets, estate, and financial affairs. On February 12, 2021, a Los Angeles County court denied Jamie Spear's objection to sharing monetary control over the conservatorship with a financial institution. 

The lesson to learn here is that no one ever expects to become physically or mentally incapacitated, especially at a young age. But it's good to put plans in place for health care and financial powers of attorney, and guardians and a trust for any minor children. If you do this as early as possible with people you trust, you'll rest assured knowing that your family will be cared for if something happens to you.

Halle Berry and Child Support

Although Halle Berry and her ex broke up in 2011, she recently took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the $16,000 in child support she pays every month. In 2014, a Los Angeles Superior court awarded the father of her two children, Gabriel Aubry, $16,000 a month in child support, along with more than $115,000 in back support and legal fees. 

On Instagram, the actress indicated that she felt her monthly payments were unfair, stating, “I feel I can speak on [child support] as I've been paying it for a decade now. I feel if a woman or man is having to pay child support that is way more than the reasonable needs to help SUPPORT the child, I think that is wrong.” The court awarded the amount to account for the disparity in the income of Barry and Aubry. While Barry brought in $4.7 million in the year before their split, Aubry earned just under $200,000. The lesson to be learned here is that family court agreements will always feel unfair to someone. Courts will use the weekly gross income of both parents to determine the level of support.

Rhode Island Family Lawyers

Family law issues can be complicated and stressful. If you're facing a divorce, custody dispute, or other family law issue, you need to speak with a skilled Rhode Island family law attorney. Give Inman & Tourgee a call at 401-823-9200 or contact us online to set up a consultation